Episodes

We see reels created on Sundays with no one in the building, stating what an influencer does or does not do on their campus. We're bombarded with teacher memes showcasing what "everyone" thinks about faculty meetings or PLCs. But it doesn't stop there. It's not just social media that's driving the narrative... it's our many social interactions. I'll be talking about all of this and more on this podcast episode and challenging all of us to get out of the POPPIES, so beautiful yet so wicked, and f...

Ever wonder why some conversations feel like navigating a minefield? This episode with Crystal Atkinson tackles the often-frustrating reality of difficult interactions, exploring why people can be challenging and, more importantly, how clarity in communication isn't just possible, but a powerful tool to bridge divides. Join us as we unpack practical strategies to cut through the noise, foster understanding, and transform communication challenges into opportunities for stronger leadership and mor...

What if the very systems you rely on are unconsciously creating gaps in student learning? The uncomfortable truth is that assumptions—from the district level down to the classroom—foster a lack of clarity that no one intends. Casey uncovers how to spot these unintentional gaps and walks through the essential first step: using simple awareness tools and the Clarity Cycle Framework to bring absolute clarity to expectations, instruction, and student needs. Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorr...

What if the small thing missing from your leadership isn't a new tool, but a clear, written management theory? John A. Dues challenges us to create a cohesive blueprint that brings absolute clarity to every decision. As Chief Learning Officer and COO at United Schools, John breaks down why a coherent management theory is the non-negotiable foundation for creating predictable, sustainable success with your team. This conversation provides the clarity you need to move from managing by reaction t...

It's the end of the week and you're ready to leave it all behind and jump into the weekend! BUT first, use these three strategies to end your week with clarity so you can BEGIN your week with clarity and confidence! Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow Course Your teams are itching for CLARITY! That can be a complex thing to provide. But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity! www.catchingupwithcasey.com/claritycycleframework Need help getting your l...

Is your school's improvement plan a binder on a shelf, or a living system that drives results? As leaders, we often focus on the what (better test scores, higher engagement), but not the how—the foundational systems that make it all possible. This week, I'm catching up with former Superintendent and Principal Principles owner, Stephanie McConnell, to dive into the powerful, often-overlooked small things that transform how we lead schools. Drawing from her experience leading at every level—from ...

So many of us build our identity around what we do—the job title, the role, the label. But what happens when that role changes or ends? In this conversation with career coach and former touring drummer Justin Pohlmann, we talk about the messy middle of career transitions, how to separate purpose from profession, and why chasing passion isn’t the best place to start when you’re feeling stuck. Justin shares what it really means to find clarity and momentum again when the noise gets loud and your c...

The modern school administrator's plate isn't just full—it's overflowing. If you feel like you're constantly fighting fires instead of leading with vision, this episode is for you. Join me as I sit down with author of The BluePrint, coach, and speaker Todd Bloomer to tackle the critical question: How can we support the current school administrator with tools that allow them to not only survive, but thrive? We dive into the concept of "Uber"-like coaching for principals and discuss practical str...

Last week's episode helped you think about what to do when your thoughts hijack clarity– like when you don't know what to expect from an upcoming conversation or meeting and you craft an elaborate movie in your mind (that almost never goes how you think it will go). Today's episode is all about what to do when you're ACTUALLY IN the meeting! I have three things to share in this episode that are helpful to practice- just remember, they DO take practice! Let me know what's been most useful in thi...

We’ve all walked into a meeting already writing the story in our heads—they’re going to question me, this is going to go sideways, I’ll freeze up. But what if that narrative is what’s clouding your clarity before you even speak? Let’s unpack how to notice those stories, rewrite them, and walk into your next meeting grounded, confident, and clear. Check out the Better Data Meetings Tomorrow Course Your teams are itching for CLARITY! That can be a complex thing to provide. But I have a framework ...

What if the biggest barrier to your success isn’t your circumstances—but your own thinking? Steven English, leadership coach and Chief Transformation Officer, shares how he rebuilt his career at 45 through mental fitness and emotional self-mastery. You’ll learn how to catch yourself in moments of self-sabotage, pause before reacting, and ask better questions that shift you out of old patterns and into clarity. http://www.stevenenglish.net info@stevenenglish.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve...

Not all PLCs are created equal. Some go through the motions, while others truly build capacity and improve learning. In this episode, I’ll be joined by Bruce Potter and Dave Nagel, co-authors of Grading Visible Learners: Learning with Fluidity, Not Finality. We’ll dig into what collaborative expertise looks like in action, why coherence, belonging, and consistency matter, and how leaders can create the same kind of clarity for adults that we expect teachers to create for students. Be on the look...

Ever sat in a meeting and thought, “I’m just going to stay quiet and wait for this to be over”? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m bringing clarity to the subtle ways leaders accidentally make people feel stupid—and how it kills contribution, collaboration, and trust. I’ll share three habits you can stop doing right now that may be shutting voices down, plus a few reflection questions to help you notice when it’s happening. Whether you’ve been the one silenced or the one unintentionally sile...

When educators know someone truly has their back, burnout doesn’t stand a chance. Real clarity comes from aligning systems and people so everyone is equipped, empowered, and moving in the same direction. Together with Kim Gameroz of TEACHING INSIDE OUT and SELebrate Good Times, we’ll explore how intentional support, clear strategies, and common language can shift schools from overwhelm to empowerment—keeping teachers focused on what matters most: supporting students. Teachinginsideout.com @teac...

“The problem isn’t us, it’s them.” Sound familiar? Teams often slip into what Peter Senge calls “The Enemy is Out There”—that sneaky mindset where blame gets pushed outward instead of clarity being built inward. In this episode, I’ll call out the phrases that signal when a team is falling into this trap, why it happens more often than we’d like to admit, and how leaders can respond in ways that shift the conversation back to ownership, clarity, and growth. I provide even more tools and strategi...

“I’m dreading this data meeting…” If you’ve ever thought that—or heard it from your team—you’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll bring clarity to the simple moves that turn data meetings from dreaded time-suckers into purposeful spaces where people actually want to engage. And here’s the best part: this episode kicks off the launch of my new course, Better Data Meetings Tomorrow, where I’ll walk you step by step through how to create meetings that build clarity, ownership, and momentum instead o...

Schools don’t fail because people don’t care—they struggle because the system isn’t clear. In this episode, I’ll talk with Doug Stilwell about how the System of Profound Knowledge connects with the Clarity Cycle to help leaders move from compliance-driven change to true continuous improvement. Doug Stilwell is a retired superintendent, university professor, and longtime advocate for continuous improvement in education. With over four decades of experience in teaching and leadership, he brings a...

Stress and burnout don’t have to define your leadership. In this episode, I’ll talk with Dr. Chris Culver about how clarity of identity and the practice of kindness can shift the way we lead ourselves and our teams. Dr. Christopher Culver is a highly sought-after, dynamic, and engaging speaker. He is a proud product of Oklahoma public education. Raised in a divorced family, he split his time between Tulsa during the week, a 300-acre farm in Wyandotte, OK, and several times throughout the year i...

Everyone can multitask, but no one can multifocus—and that truth shows up loud and clear in team meetings. In this episode, I’ll bring clarity to why meetings often feel pointless and what leaders can do to change it. Check out Linda Rhyne’s newsletter on Maximizing Instructional Time (HINT: It’s NOT by multifocusing!) Your teams are itching for CLARITY! That can be a complex thing to provide. But I have a framework that guides you to do just that– gain and create clarity! www.catchingupwithcas...

What if your leadership team wasn't just a group of people, but a true catalyst for change? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Darrin Peppard, a best-selling author and leadership coach , who is here to help leaders gain clarity, build a strong culture, and lead with purpose. Dr. Peppard shares his "AWESOME" framework to help you foster effective collaboration and create a team that's truly on the road to awesome. Get ready to shift your mindset and learn how to move your team from good to great...

We’ve all been there — the season where everything piles on and “overwhelmed” feels like the only word that fits. In this episode, I’ll share a simple but powerful reframing strategy I learned from a speaking coach, Gina Rapaport, that helps me get unstuck when the noise feels too loud. I’ll model how I use it in my own life and show you how it can help you name what’s happening, untangle your thoughts, and reframe your way back to clarity. Whether you’re leading a team or just trying to manage ...

“Collaboration will take you places competition can’t.” In this episode, I’ll sit down with Walter Cullin Jr.—higher ed leader, motivational speaker, and host of the What’s Your Motive? podcast—to explore what it really takes to build character-driven teams and inclusive school cultures. We’ll unpack how educators can foster collaboration without ego, lead with purpose, and help both students and staff stay intrinsically motivated—no excuses. You’ll leave this one fired up to move from silos to ...

In this episode, Casey sits down with Hunter Flesch—Associate Principal and founder of Ed Essentials—to unpack what it really takes to build a Tier 2 system that isn’t just reactive, but resilient. Drawing from his experience as a teacher-turned-administrator, Hunter shares how assistant principals can shift from constantly putting out fires to putting solid frameworks in place that foster sustainable collaboration and student support. Whether you're a campus leader or aspiring one, this episode...

In this episode, Casey sits down with TEDx speaker and leadership coach Rick Kutcher to unpack what it really takes to lead with clarity—from building a data-informed school culture to communicating with confidence. Drawing from his work at Region 13 and his own consulting practice, Rick shares how data, when used well, becomes a powerful tool for decision-making, alignment, and impact. Whether you’re leading teams, presenting to stakeholders, or navigating tough conversations, this conversation...