The Squad Builder Podcast

We strive to help school leaders and teacher leaders grow their capacity in building and maintaining effective teams.

Recent Episodes

View all

April 15, 2024

Education, SEL, & Sports

In this 15th episode, I am joined by Mitch Lyons. Mitch is the founder and retired president of two nonprofits: The Social Emotional Learning Alliance for Massachusetts (4,500 members) that is now being copied in 22 states un...

Listen to the Episode

April 8, 2024

High Standards, No Excuses

In this episode #14, I am joined by Ross Braun. Ross is a former elementary school principal, and he is the current VP for School Life. Learn more about Ross and his work at themrbraun.com. Follow Dr. Phillips on X at @japhil...

Listen to the Episode

April 2, 2024

It's All About Trust And Winning As A Team

In this third episode of season 2, I'm rolling solo to drop some gems on trust and how it relates to us individually helping out teams win in our respective schools and Edu spaces. Follow Dr. Phillips on X at @japhillips0722,...

Listen to the Episode

Aug. 28, 2023

The Experiences Of Today Are Going To Prepare You For Tomorrow

In this second episode of season 2, I'm joined by Amy Mason, who is the founder of Aim2Educate. She has a remarkable career in education. She has over 13 years of experience as a school leader and 9 as a teacher in 5 differen...

Listen to the Episode

Aug. 22, 2023

There Is A Silver Lining In A Bad Decision

In this first episode of Season 2, I'm just putting several ideas and thoughts out there about how summer planning has been for leaders and how teacher leaders can help us forge forward this school year. In addition, I delve ...

Listen to the Episode

June 19, 2023

Principal Entry Plans with Daniel Bauer As He Discusses His New Book About This Topic

In this episode, I am joined by none other than Daniel Bauer. I refer to him as Mr. Mastermind himself. He has a new book out, "Build Leadership Momentum; How to Create the Perfect Principal Entry Plan. In addition to his new...

Listen to the Episode

April 30, 2023

Five Keys For Elite Performance with Dom Brightmon

In this episode, I'm joined by Dom Brightmon. We jump into his 5 keys for elite performance and his work with his podcast, Going North. Follow Dr. Phillips on Twitter at @japhillips0722 and Instagram at drjaphillips0722. You ...

Listen to the Episode

April 4, 2023

Celebrate Our Staff with Principal Salma Hussein

In this episode, I'm joined by Principal Salma Hussein. We jump into her background in social work, creating a culture of feedback, and celebrating our teams. Follow Dr. Phillips on Twitter at @japhillips0722 and Instagram at...

Listen to the Episode

March 8, 2023

Iron Sharpens Iron With Dr. Darryl Diggs Jr.

In this episode, my esteemed guest Dr. Darryl Diggs Jr. delves into his thoughts on the current state of education in the realm of staffing schools for the future. We also discuss how his work with his organization EDU Openin...

Listen to the Episode

Feb. 20, 2023

It's That Season

In this episode, I talk about looking at those candidates that are hungry to get better everyday, not being afraid to strongly consider candidates that may have had some movement frequently in the past, and creating a buzz ar...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 21, 2022

Dr. Jerod Phillips, Sr. (Solo) - Peer Influence

In this episode, we dive into a topic that we all have experienced as teachers, specialists, leaders, or any other role in education. We are talking about “Peer Influence” in this episode. There are 2 sides to peer influence,...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 18, 2022

Jay Posick - Once The Team Is Built, Provide An Avenue For Them To Have A Voice

In this episode, I am joined by Principal Jay Posick. Jay is a long time friend that I first connected with on Twitter when I was a classroom teacher, and his expertise in school leadership and maintaining a winning team in h...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 18, 2022

Principal Jeff Palladino - New Aisles So People Can Get On Board

In this episode, I am joined by Principal Jeff Palladino. He is the proud principal of Fannie Lou Hamer Freedom High School in Bronx, NY. We delve into the staffing and overall model at his school and other things he does to ...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 17, 2022

CEO Brian DiSabatino, EDiS Company - Nobody Helped Me Finish The Rest Of the Sentence

Check out this episode as Brian DiSabatino, the CEO of the EDiS Company joins the show. EDiS is responsible for some of the most innovative and student centered learning spaces in newly built schools in my area. Hear how a lo...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 17, 2022

Dr. Jerod Phillips, Sr. (Solo) - Standing On The Fire Escape Platform

Check out this inaugural episode of The Squad Builder Podcast. I spend this episode introducing who I am as an educator. As I take this podcast forward for seasons to come, you are going to hear from people from different fie...

Listen to the Episode

Dec. 12, 2022