Episodes

54
Dec. 5, 2022

With Dwight Carter "What it means to BE G.R.E.A.T." (E54)

In Episode 54 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Brandon Beck and special guest, Dwight Carter (@Dwight_Carter) discuss what it means to achieve greatness in our schools beginning with school culture first and foremost. Dwight Carter is a school leader and director of Student Support Systems at Eastland Fairfield Career and Technical Schools. He is the author of “Be Great: 5 Principle to Improve School Culture from the Inside Out.” In this episode, Dwight describes his journey ...
53
Nov. 28, 2022

With Lance Thonvold "Answering Your Calling" (E53)

In Episode 53 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Brandon Beck and special guest, Lance Thonvold (@LannyT39) discuss experiencing the pressures of professional sports and how the challenges have the ability to shape the story of your life. Lance "Lanny" Thonvold is an inspirational speaker and former professional baseball player. He was drafted in 2015 by the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball. Upon his departure from the MLB, he found a pathway through his faith based pri...
51
Nov. 14, 2022

With Andrew Marotta "Survive and Thrive" (E51)

In Episode 51 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Brandon Beck and special guest, Andrew Marrotta (@AndrewMarotta21) dive deep into lessons learned from the hardwood and how they relate developing quality connections with students and staff. Andrew Marotta is a school principal in Port Jervis, NY. He is the author of 3 books with a 4th book coming soon. He is also the host of the Education Leadership and Beyond Podcast. In this episode, Andrew talks about his journey from coachi...
50
Nov. 7, 2022

With Dr. Ryan B. Jackson "The Underdog's Advocate" (E50)

In Episode 50 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Dr. Ryan B. Jackson (@RyanBJackson1) dive deep into what makes an incredible school leader. Dr. Jackson is an example of an extremely passionate educator not only improving the lives of students, but also improving the lives of all educators in our schools through the power of his story. Dr. Ryan B Jackson is a school principal in Tennessee. He was the Principal of the Year in his county. In th...
49
Oct. 31, 2022

With Laurie Guyon " Enhancing Your Global Impact as An Educator" (E49)

In Episode 49 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Laurie Guyon (@smilelearning) discuss the importance of using various platforms to enhance global impact in our schools. Laurie is a Technology Coordinator for Model Schools. She conducts professional learning for educators to help them enhance their global impact. In this episode, Laurie and Brandon discuss the evolution of technology since the onset of the pandemic. They talk about the power ...
48
Oct. 24, 2022

With Julia Drake "Unconscious Gender Bias" (E48)

In Episode 48 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Julia Drake (@JdDrakej) dive deep into a thought provoking conversation about perception and identity. Julia Drake is an Elementary School Principal in Westchester County, NY. She is an inspiring educator who walks her talk and continues to push the thinking on important issues surrounding identity in our schools. Her research is so important to learn more about. In this episode, she describes ...
47
Oct. 17, 2022

With Adam Welcome "Knowing Who You Are" (E47)

In Episode 47 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Adam Welcome (@mrAdamWelcome) dive deep into an insightful conversation. Adam is the author of 4 books, he is an international keynote speaker, a former principal, and has ran a LOT of marathons! To find out exactly how many...you have to listen! In this episode, Adam’s passion is present and powerful. He describes the importance of Knowing Who You Are so you can develop transformative leadersh...
46
Oct. 10, 2022

With Bobby Pollicino "The Principled Leader" (E46)

In Episode 46 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Bobby Pollicino (@BobbyPollicino) discuss leading a school through a pandemic and using the lessons learned as opportunities to grow. Bobby Policino is a school leader in Maryland. He is also the author of upcoming book “The Principled Leader.” In this episode, Bobby describes his journey from school leader to author. He describes the importance of principles as the foundation for successful le...
45
Oct. 3, 2022

With Fred Morecraft "Leading Through A Pandemic" (E45)

In Episode 45 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Fred Morecraft (@FredMorecraft) discuss leading a school through a pandemic and using the lessons learned as opportunities to grow. Fred is the Superindendent at Carmichaels School District in Pennsylvania. In this episode, Fred reflects on being a school leader during the pandemic. He describes how his school district thrived, used challenges as an opportunity for growth, and how he grew into ...
44
Sept. 26, 2022

With Dan Wolfe "Becoming the Change" (E44)

In Episode 44 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Dan Wolfe (@ServLeadInspire) talk about the importance of social emotional learning and its influence on everyone. Dan Wolfe is an assistant Principal in Florida who is also the author of "Becoming the Change: 5 Essential Elements to Being Your Best Self." In this episode, Dan talks about his journey from teacher to school building leader to author. He describes his passion and dedication to th...
43
Sept. 19, 2022

With Dr. Rick Jetter "Focus not Derailment" (E43)

In Episode 43 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Dr. Rick Jetter (@RickJetter) Dr. Rick Jetter is a school leader and author of 10 books for educators. He is a leadership expert and co founder of Pushing Boundaries LLC. In this episode, Rick talks about his journey into education and the importance on focusing on what is most important to your purpose. We discuss the story behind the “100 No Nonsense Things Educators Should Stop”…Series. Rick...
42
Sept. 12, 2022

With Michael Glynn "Everyone Deserves a Chance" (E42)

In Episode 42 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Michael Glynn (@GlynnPrincipal) Michael Glynn is a principal in Maine who shares his inspiring story from classroom to school building leader. In this episode, Michael describes his story as a student and how he never really enjoyed school. He didn’t realize he wanted to be a teacher until he had a disciplinary event that led him to doing community service. This negative experience about being ...
41
Sept. 5, 2022

With Craig Shapiro "The Positivity of Wellness" (E41)

In Episode 41 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Craig Shapiro (@Shapiro_WTHS) Craig Shapiro has been a Health and Physical Education teacher for 33 years in Pennsylvania. His story as an educator has led him to writing a book set to release in Fall 2022 titled: “Dream Big: Simple Steps to Transform your Classroom.” In this episode, Brandon and Craig discuss the importance of positivity in a school’s culture. We talk about how his idea of cre...
40
Aug. 29, 2022

With Carly Spina "Moving Beyond Language Learning with ELLs" (E40)

In Episode 40 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Carly Spina (@MrsSpinasClass) Carly Spina is a Multilingual Education Specialist in Illinois. As part of her work with the Illinois Resource Center, she gets to work with teachers of Language Learners on a daily basis. She is also the author of Moving Beyond for Multilingual Learners. In this episode, Brandon and Carly discuss the challenges associated with teaching multilinguals that many educ...
39
Aug. 22, 2022

With CJ Reynolds "Keeping it Real with Students" (E39)

In Episode 39 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, CJ Reynolds (@RealRapReynolds) CJ Reynolds is an innovative teacher in the inner city of Philadelphia. He is the author of “Teach Your Class Off: The Real Rap Guide to Teaching.” In this episode, CJ talks about his journey from clown to monk to YouTuber to teaching. This story is full of important reminders of how we can make our ordinary into extraordinary. CJ’s negative experience in school a...
38
Aug. 15, 2022

With Dr. Patrick Sullivan "Maintaining the Momentum" (E38)

In Episode 38 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Dr. Patrick Sullivan (@Jeff_Zoul), talk about maintaining the momentum that schools have built since the onset of the pandemic. Dr. Patrick Sullivan is a school superintendent in Liberty, New York. As a school leader throughout the pandemic he has learned much about using challenges as opportunities for growth. In this episode, Patrick discusses important lessons learned since the onset of the ...
37
Aug. 8, 2022

With Jeff Zoul "Start Right Now" (E37)

In Episode 37 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Jeff Zoul (@Jeff_Zoul), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Jeffrey Zoul has been a teacher, school leader, and is the author of ten books. Most recently he co-authored “Start Right Now” with Jimmy Casas and Todd Whittaker. Jeff is also a Leadership coach and the President of Connect EDD books. In this episode, Jeff discusses his story that led him to writing, speaking, and leading e...
36
Aug. 1, 2022

With Andrea Bitner "Language Learners are a Gift" (E36)

In Episode 36 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Andrea Bitner (@ZBauermaster), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Andrea Bitner is a teacher, speaker, and consultant who is the author of the book, “Take Me Home.” This book written in both English and Spanish amplifies the voices of immigrant students by sharing their stories of growing up in American schools. Bitner’s passion and knowledge for working with English Language Learner...
35
July 25, 2022

With Zac Bauermaster "Leading with a Humble Heart" (E35)

In Episode 35 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Zac Bauermaster (@ZBauermaster), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Zac Bauermaster is a principal and the author of "Leading with a Humble Heart: A 40-Day Devotional for Leaders." In this book, Zac talks about the lessons of leadership and their connection living a life of Faith. Each day in this devotional is dedicated to living with a humble heart. In this episode, Zac and Brando...
34
July 18, 2022

With Kurt Hines "The Blessing of Serving Others" (E34)

In Episode 34 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Coach Kurt Hines (@CoachKurtHines), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Coach Kurt Hines is an elementary teacher and High School Football Coach. He has a huge following, because he is always posting inspirational material that is about unlocking unlimited potential in all of his students and athletes. In this episode, Kurt and Brandon discuss the blessing of being able to serve stud...
33
July 11, 2022

With Melissa Wright "Inspired Moments that Matter" (E33)

In Episode 33 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Melissa Wright (@WrightMelissa_), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Melissa Wright is a High School Math & Dance teacher from New Brunswick, Canada. She is a school culture and climate specialist and author of the book, “Inspired Moments that Matter.” In this episode, Melissa describes her story from dance teacher to High School Math Teacher to author and speaker. She describes hel...
32
July 4, 2022

With Dr. Alexandra Pfleging "Crisis Efficacy" (E32)

In Episode 32 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Dr. Alexandra Pfleging (@DrPfleging), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Dr. Ali Pfleging is a fellow self efficacy expert. She is an incredible high school English teacher, college professor, and award winning researcher. Her research examines the the influence of self efficacy in among High School teachers. In her work, she focuses on resilience, emotional intelligence, and self-ef...
31
June 27, 2022

With Coach Jim Johnson "Do It For The Right Reasons" (E31)

In Episode 31 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Coach Jim Johnson (@CoachJimJohnson), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Coach Jim Johnson is a former teacher and High School Basketball Coach in upstate New York. In 2006, he had an autistic player on his basketball team whose story changed the lives of so many. It was covered by ESPN and was a powerful moment in Jim's career which led him to being a motivational speaker and leader...
5
May 7, 2022

With Dr. Shaun Woodly "Embracing the Hustle" (S3, E5)

Your story is so important to your journey. In this show, we dive into the stories of others which serve as the foundation behind innovative thought leaders. In Season 3, Episode 5 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck and special guest, Dr. Shaun Woodly (@ShaunWoodly), have an insightful and inspiring conversation. Dr. Woodly is the CEO of Teach, Hustle, Inspire. He is the author of MC Means Move the Class & The Speaker Side Hustle: 5 Secrets to Becoming a Succes...