Episodes

Meet Rae Hughart, the CEO & Founder of Teachers Deserve It. Rae is an educator, author, and a leader who is dedicated to empowering teachers and growing educators to be their best, in and out of the classrooms. She is active on social media @ RaeHughart and continue to write, speaker, and lead in many spaces and places. Learn more here: https://teachersdeserveit.com/ & / rae-hughart Rae co-wrote two books that you can find on Amazon: https://bit.ly/3MGwfFHRae also gave a TEDx Talk in 2021, Bette...

Meet Will Parker, author, leader, speaker, and host of the Principal Matters podcast & blog. He was the Teacher of the Year in OK, AP Teacher of the Year, and served as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals for six years. Learn more at https://williamdparker.com/. and subscribe to the PMP & Monday Matters podcasts. His latest book was released in March 2025, Whose Permission are you Waiting For? with ConnectEDD: you can find it here: https://bit.ly/3Yty5vV...

Excited to talk with Allyson Apsey on the #ELB Podcast. Allyson is the Director of Client Relations at Creative Leadership Solutions--She is a veteran school leader and author of 8 books & delivered an awesome TED talk. We will be LIVE together at 4:45 EST, tomorrow, Wednesday, Dec. 10th, 2025. We'll talk leadership, 2026, and a Serendipity Mindset. Keep surviving & thriving!Watch her TED Talk here: Serendipity is Everyone: • Serendipity is Everywhere | Allyson Apsey ... Learn more about Allyson...

Meet Dr. Kevin McGowan, the Superintendent of Brighton Central School District in Rochester, NY, SINCE 2009! The average tenure of a Superintendent is 3-4 years, and Kevin has been leading and excelling in many ways at Brighton. We'll talk leadership, managing a team, strategic planning, problem solving, upstate NY, AASA '23 Sup of the year, and more LIVE on the #ELB podcast--This Saturday, 12/6/25 at 9 am EST. Join us! #SurviveThrive Learn more about Kevin here: https://bit.ly/KevinMSup Subsc...

Meet Casey Hagarth, the awesome Superintendent from Baker City Schools, OR--Home of the Bulldogs in Eastern Oregon. Casey is a husband, father, and now grandfather--leading in many ways in Baker and beyond. He is earning his doctorate, writing a book, and is active on social media--Follow him and look for his great, creative posts: The Superintendents' Sneak Peak. Join us for this "Thanksgiving Special" where we will take leadership, friendship, all things Baker, gratitude, and more--LIVE on the...

Back with Darin Beckwith & Candiss Bennett from Dawson ESC in Arkansas in a joint podcast--#ELB podcast & Spillin the Tea in Studio D. Join us LIVE on the podcast on Thursday, Nov. 20th, 2025 at 4:30 EST on all socials! Fun, education, energy, and some laughs! #ELBThis podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/ELBIXL

Meet Salvatore Manzi. He is a certified coach, facilitator, and keynote speaker. He helps leaders communicate clearly, lead with authenticity, and navigate complexity with confidence. With over 20 years of experience, he brings a unique blend of strategic insight, real-world leadership, and human-centered communication to every engagement.Rooted in curiosity, shaped by life across seven countries, Salvatore helps bold thinkers become bold leaders.Join us LIVE on the #ELB Podcast Wednesday Nov. 1...

The Magic Acronyms, Formulas, & Impactful Stories of Leadership book is here! A tribute to the amazing Dr. Rob Gilbert & the Success Hotline--Join us for a podcast celebration--Sunday, November 9th @ 3:30 pm EST LIVE with Dr. Rob & friends. I have invited several special guests to join us who wrote excerpts in the book and have been deeply impacted by Dr. Rob & his contagious positivity, also!Dr. Rob has been running the Success Hotline since 1992--Here is the #: 973-743-4690 & since 2015, I hav...

Meet Dr. Patrick Ketch, Superintendent of Blairstown Schools, NJ. Superintendent Ketch has served as Superintendent in Blairstown for 5 years. He holds two doctoral degrees, was a former MS Principal, and is passionate about fitness & jiu jitsu. We'll talk leadership, life as a Sup, and all things NJ! Join us LIVE at 4:15 pm EST on Thursday, 11/6. Tune in on all socials! ⁠#SurviveThrive⁠ ⁠#ELBPodcast⁠This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teach...

Meet Jose Sanchez, the Assistant Superintendent of HR of Oakdale Joint USD in CA. Jose and I connected years ago at a leadership event and have stayed in touch. He is a vibrant leader, leading in and outside his district. We'll talk family (Jose has 3 amazing children), leadership, learning, and more. Join us today, Thursday 10/30, LIVE at 7 pm EST on the #ELB podcast. This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the mo...

Meet Syd Sexton, Executive Director of Leadership Development at Frenship ISD in Wolfforth, TX. Syd is new to this role after serving in leadership positions in ESC 17 for many years. Syd is a wife and mom & is earning her doctorate in education. We'll talk leadership, learning, change, and more today LIVE on the #ELB podcast at 4:15 EST today, Thursday, Oct. 23rd, 2025. Join us!This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is al...

Meet Samantha Herron--Regional Teacher of the Year in OR. I met Samantha in October of 2024, as she received the prestigious Regional Teacher of the Year award. I am excited to learn her journey & story from rural OR and beyond. She was also nominated for History Teacher of the Year in OR. We'll talk student engagement, teaching, art, and more--Join us LIVE this evening, 7:30 EST, 4:30 PT, Thursday, 10/16/25.This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 milli...

BAM! LIVE @ Baker MS in Baker City, OR with Principal Amanda Wilde & 8th-grade President Iris Young. We are in the middle of a leadership day & took some time to talk with two great leaders. Shout out to Superintendent Hallgarth for making this all happen! #SurviveThrive #BakerProudThis podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Learn more here: https://bi...

Meet Bradlee Skinner, educator, teacher, and theater director at Green River HS. Brad and I crossed paths this summer at Green River, WY, during their school opening--and I learned about his journey of music, writing, creativity, photography, and DJing--He was a DJ for the Savannah Bananas this summer in Colorado!!! Wow. Brad also speaks professionally. You can learn more here: https://www.facebook.com/AStarkRealization/ Join us tonight, Wed. 10/1, at 7:30 EST, 5:30 MT for our leadership convers...

Join me LIVE for this solo podcast tonight, Monday, 9/29/25, with some thoughts and reflections on different topics related to leadership, learning, and personal growth.This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/ELBIXL

Meet Todd Bloomer, the Director of School Leadership for the Archdiocese of San Antonio. Todd was a long time HS Principal in Texas, retired, and now has taken on a new role in San Antonio.He is also the author of The BluePrint: Survive & Thrive as a School Administrator. You can purchase the book here: http://amzn.to/46dhm3t"Yankee Todd" as he is known is also an avid runner, husband, father of 5, and is active on social media producing great, inspirational videos often on all his socials. You ...

Friends, meet Dr. Jason Leahy, the longtime Executive Director of the super awesome Illinois Principals Association. Dr. Leahy will join me LIVE on the #ELB podcast Thursday, August 28th, 2025, at 4:15 EST/3:15 CT.A former Principal and son of a Principal, Jason has held the position of Executive Director at IPA for 19 years. Husband and father to 5 children, Dr. Leahy will share his journey of leadership and learning in his roles, including Executive Director. We'll also dive into the School Le...

Friends, meet Anne Marie Covey, HR and Curriculum Director from Green River Schools in Sweetwater County, #2 in Wyoming! We will be LIVE in person on-site in Green River tonight, Monday, August 18th, @ 6:45 EST/4:45 MT. They are kicking off their school year, and the students are arriving on Wednesday. Born and raised in this beautiful area, Anne Marie has been a building Principal for 22 years and an elementary teacher before that. She transitioned to her first year as a district-wide administr...

Meet Jeremy Kidd & Brad Mullins--Principals in the amazing Laurel County School District in Eastern Kentucky. Jeremy is the Principal at South Laurel HS, and Brad is the Principal at Hazel Green Elementary--both established and respected leaders in their school communities and families! Join us LIVE tonight at 7 pm EST as we talk leadership, life--AND KICKING OFF SCHOOL for the 25-26 school year at Laurel Schools This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1...

Join me LIVE as I talk with my great friend Kevin Spainhour. Kevin will be my guest tomorrow, Saturday 7/2/25 at 8:30 am EST on the #ELB podcast. Kevin is an area Superintendent at the Winston Salem/West Forsyth School District in Winston Salem, NC He was a long time Principal and just concluded his first year as area Superintendent. We'll talk friendship, leadership, enjoying the journey--and Kevin's new leadership & inspirational newsletter: S.TA.R.T: 1 Struggle, 2 Tactics, Aligned Scripture, ...

Meet Siera Pickering, the Dean of Students at Petrova Elem. in beautiful Saranac Lake, NY. I met Siea on a leadership visit to Saranac Lake, and she stood out in so many ways--participation, positivity, assertiveness, and more. She's joining us LIVE on the podcast on Tuesday, 6/17/25 at 4:30 PM EST. Siera is expecting her 3rd child next month (WOW!) and is very interested in how the brain functions in relation to learning and reading. She is looking to make a positive impact on her school cultur...

Meet Steve Estatico, the Superintendent of Schools at Superior School District in Superior, AZ. A PA native, Steve was a long-time teacher and coach, and he recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary, along with the birth of his first grandchild. Surviving & Thriving!Join us LIVE on the #ELB podcast tonight, Thursday, June 12, at 7:15 EST, 4:15 PT--we'll talk leadership, learning, and life in the AZ heat! #SurviveThriveThis podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by ...

Meet the great Andy Andrews. Andy is a New York Times best-selling author & speaker--a professional noticer! Andy is a life, business, and coach of athletic leaders--and a master storyteller. If you haven't read an Andy Andrews book, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend them. Andy masterfully weaves in stories, experiences, fiction, and non-fiction in his work--in search of what is true and what is the truth!Learn more here: https://andyandrews.com/ Andy is also the CEO of Wisdom Harbor — an amazing set...

Meet friends Darrin Peppard and Katie Kinder, the co-authors of the new, great book Culture First Classrooms. Both Darrin and Kate are dynamic speakers and education leaders who came together professionally to write this book, which was released earlier this year. The book is filled with super usable ideas, guests, action steps, and reflective questions.You can learn more about Kate here: https://katie-kinder.com/ & more about Darrin here: https://roadtoawesome.net/ You can find the book her...