Aspire to Lead
In this podcast, Joshua Stamper interviews accomplished educational leaders, offering listeners the chance to learn from their experiences. Each episode focuses on leadership growth through the successes, trials, and lessons of guests. The show provides valuable stories, resources, and practical advice to enhance your leadership journey.
Episodes
393. Reclaiming Our Joy Before It’s Too Late: Featuring CJ Reynolds
What would change if educators treated joy, connection, and mental wellness as essential parts of the work instead of extras?In this episode, Joshua Stamper welcomes back educator, author, speaker, and Teach Class Off creator CJ Reynolds. CJ reflects on more than 20 years in education, from teaching in West Philadelphia to serving students in New Mexico, and shares why his purpose has remained roo
BONUS Series – Aspiring Leaders Part 5: 30-Day Leadership Action Plan
You have reflected on your leadership experiences, clarified your leadership identity, identified the people in your corner, and recognized the gaps you still need to fill. Now it is time to turn that insight into action.
In the final episode of the Aspiring Leaders Bonus Series, Joshua Stamper shares a practical framework for creating an intentional leadership action plan. Learn how to choose a
BONUS Series – Aspiring Leaders Part 4: What Experience Are You Still Missing?
Are you building meaningful leadership experience, or are you simply staying busy?
In Part 4 of the Aspiring Leaders Bonus Series, Joshua Stamper helps aspiring leaders identify the experiences they still need before stepping into their next role. Saying yes to every committee, project, or extra duty may show initiative, but not every opportunity builds the skills, relationships, and leadership e
BONUS Series – Aspiring Leaders Part 3: Defining Your Leadership Identity
What kind of leader do you want to be when the title finally arrives?
In Part 3 of the Aspiring Leaders Bonus Series, Joshua Stamper helps aspiring leaders move beyond simply naming the role they want and begin defining the values, mission, vision, and commitments that will guide their leadership. A title may change, responsibilities may shift, and your career path may take unexpected turns, but
BONUS Series – Aspiring Leaders Part 2: Growth Does Not Happen in Isolation
Leadership growth does not happen in isolation. While your experiences, credentials, and drive all matter, the right relationships can help you gain perspective, identify meaningful opportunities, and take the next step in your leadership journey.
In this episode, Joshua Stamper explores why aspiring leaders need a strong network of support and introduces four people who can make a meaningful dif
BONUS Series - Aspiring Leaders Part 1: Leadership Starts Before the Title
If you are considering a future leadership role, have recently joined a principal preparation program, or simply feel ready to make a greater impact on your campus, this series will help you take practical next steps. In this first episode, Joshua Stamper challenges aspiring leaders to look beyond the title and recognize the leadership experiences they may already have.You will reflect on the comm
392. Culture Is a System, Not a Slogan: Featuring Tom Walls
What if the strongest school cultures are not built through big initiatives, catchy slogans, or another binder of expectations, but through small actions repeated every day?
In this episode, Tom Walls shares lessons from more than 30 years in education and coaching across four continents. He explains why culture must be treated as a system, not a slogan, and how leaders can create genuine buy-in
391. Taking Off the Leadership Mask: Featuring Ashanti Branch
What might change in your school if students felt safe enough to say they were not okay?
In this episode, Ashanti Branch shares how his own journey as a student, engineer, and educator led him to create the Ever Forward Club, a nonprofit dedicated to helping young men build connection, emotional awareness, character, and leadership skills. He explains why many students learn to hide behind masks,
390. Preparing Future School Leaders and Enhancing Your School Culture: Featuring Adam Dovico
What does it really take to lead well when school life is messy, fast-moving, and full of real challenges?
In this week's episode, Adam Dovico shares a grounded and practical conversation about what educators and school leaders are facing right now, from supporting new teachers and building school culture to developing future leaders and creating meaningful learning experiences. He talks about th
389. The Resistance Solution: Featuring Becca Silver
What if resistance in your school is not a sign of defiance, but a signal that something deeper needs attention?In this episode, Becca Silver shares a research-informed approach to understanding resistance in K-12 education and why it is often rooted in unmet needs rather than unwillingness to change. She explains how school leaders and instructional coaches can move from reacting to resistance to
388. Empowering School Leaders to Be Math Leaders: Featuring Thomas O’Brien
Why is it still so common for people to say, “I’m not a math person,” and how can school leaders help change that narrative?
In this week's episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Thomas O’Brien to explore why leaders are uniquely positioned to shape math culture, support stronger instruction, and create environments where both teachers and students see themselves as capable mat
Aspire Mailbag: How to Hire Well and Reimagine Student Discipline
In this Aspire Mailbag episode, Joshua Stamper and Jeff Gargas tackle two leadership topics that are on a lot of educators’ minds right now: how to hire great people when applicant pools are shrinking, and how to rethink student discipline in ways that actually build skills. They explore why culture matters in attracting the right staff, how leaders can look beyond interview answers to find the ri
387. How to Develop Future Leaders and Grow Talent: Featuring Darrin Peppard
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Darrin Peppard to explore how organizations can intentionally develop future leaders. Darrin shares practical ideas for identifying leadership potential early, creating meaningful growth opportunities, and building the kind of trust and support that helps emerging leaders step into new roles with confidence.
Together, they discuss w
386. The Hidden Cost of Pretending to Have It All Together: Featuring Chris Valli
What if vulnerability is not a weakness, but the very thing that helps leaders build trust, connection, and courage? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with Chris Valli, a New Zealand author, keynote speaker, former journalist, educator, and founder of the VOIC framework, Vulnerability Opens Inner Courage. Chris shares how a highly publicized turning point in his teaching care
385. Focusing on Lead Measures Instead of Noise: Featuring Dave Schmittou
What if the biggest key to better leadership is not focusing on the lagging measures, but learning how to measure what truly matters?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Dave Schmittou to talk about leadership, priority management, and the difference between lead measures and lagging measures. Dave shares practical insight from his work with schools, districts, and or
Aspire Mailbag: Building Trust Through Leadership and Initiative Changes
In this Aspire Mailbag episode, Joshua Stamper and Jeff Gargas respond to listener questions about supporting an aspiring leader through a campus transition and helping teachers shift away from punitive discipline. They explore how new leadership can create both uncertainty and opportunity, and what aspiring leaders can do to build trust, stay visible, and align themselves with a new principal’s v
384. Keeping Great Educators in the Profession: Featuring Brad Gaynor
What happens when the very systems meant to support education begin driving great teachers out of the profession?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Brad Gaynor to talk about the growing teacher retention crisis, the hidden emotional and psychological cost of teaching, and why so many good educators are leaving the profession. Brad shares insights from his leadership
383. Increasing Student Engagement with Purposeful Instruction: Featuring Megan Diede
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with Megan Diede about the power of connection, purposeful teaching, and the small instructional shifts that can create meaningful change in classrooms. Megan shares how her seven pathways to learning help educators design lessons that are more engaging, accessible, and effective for students while also reducing overwhelm for teachers.
Throu
BONUS: The EQ Impact with Charle Peck
In this special bonus episode of Aspire to Lead, Josh and Charle share exciting news about their upcoming book project, EQ Impact. They explore why emotional intelligence matters more than ever in schools, workplaces, families, and relationships, and why lasting change depends on giving people practical skills they can use to respond to stress, conflict, and reactivity.Josh and Charle also discuss
382: Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success: Featuring Gretchen Bridgers
What if the biggest instructional breakthrough came from starting in the right place?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Gretchen Bridgers to talk about classroom instruction, teacher mentorship, and the mindset shifts that help educators build more sustainable and effective learning experiences. Gretchen shares her journey from classroom teacher to instructional coa
381. Leading With Hope When the Pressure Is Heavy: Featuring Dr. Brandi Kelly
What does it look like to lead with hope when life, leadership, and responsibility feel overwhelming?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly for a powerful conversation about resilience, self-awareness, purpose, and the daily choices that help leaders thrive. Brandi opens up about her personal journey through loss, stress, and major life transitions, and
380. Every Student Needs a Chance to Win: Featuring James O’Neal Jr.
What if student success had less to do with talent and more to do with belief, access, and the way we design learning experiences?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with James O’Neal, Jr., founder of Mastery For All, to explore what it really takes to create classrooms where all students can thrive. James shares his journey from middle and high school math teacher to dep
379. The Hidden Work of Real School Leadership: Featuring Principal Kafele
What does it really mean to lead a school rather than simply manage one?
In this powerful conversation, Joshua Stamper sits down with Principal Baruti Kafele to explore the deeper work of school leadership, instructional coaching, student engagement, and school culture. Kafele shares lessons from his journey as an educator, assistant principal, principal, author, and speaker, offering a compellin
BONUS: Professional Development Done Differently with Kim Gameroz
How can professional development feel energizing instead of exhausting?
In this bonus episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Kim Gameroz to talk about the upcoming Vibe EDU event on July 31st in Anaheim, California. They share the vision behind this unique PD experience that brings together educators, leaders, and parents for real connection, vulnerability, and actionable strate
378. The School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations with Erica Bear and Tiffany Burns
What does it take to have a tough conversation that is both clear and compassionate?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Erica Bear and Tiffany Burns to discuss their new book, The School Leader’s Playbook for Tough Conversations, and the practical strategies school leaders need when navigating conflict, feedback, and high-stakes communication. Erica and Tiffany unpac
377. Boredom, Frustration and Task Avoidance Busters: Featuring Katie Powell
What happens when students are not just disengaged, but quietly deciding school is too hard, too boring, or too risky to try?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Katie Powell, Director of Middle Level Programs for AMLE, to unpack the realities of middle school learning, the brain science behind engagement, and how teachers can better support students who struggle wit
NCMLE Bonus: Connection, Anxiety, & Student Engagement with Charlie Peck, Gretchen Bridgers, and Vernon Wright
Recorded live at NCMLE, Joshua Stamper sits down with Charlie Peck, Gretchen Bridgers, and Vernon Wright to talk about their presentations, their current projects, and the power of connection at a conference built on learning and community. Charlie shares practical tools for addressing anxiety and avoidance, Gretchen focuses on the essentials of instruction, and Vernon explores influence, action,
376. Unlocking Social Emotional Learning with Hip Hop: Featuring David Spellmon
What if the key to unlocking social emotional learning for your students has been playing in their earbuds all along?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with David Spellman, also known as the Positive Archer, an unorthodox educator who built a unique book and curriculum called Just Like Music: Social Emotional Learning Inspired by Hip Hop after years of recognizing a dee
NCMLE Bonus: The Motivation Equation & Leading with Hope with Frederick Buskey and Dr. Brandi Kelly
Recorded live at the NCMLE Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua sits down on the conference floor with two dynamic educational leaders, speakers, and authors, Frederick Buskey and Dr. Brandi Kelly.
Frederick shares his work building a Leadership Excellence Network in partnership with the North Carolina Middle Level Education Association and dives into his conference presentation on the
375. Executive Functions for Every K–3 Classroom: Featuring Sarah Oberle & Mitch Weathers
What if the reason so many young students struggle in the classroom has nothing to do with behavior, laziness, or defiance, and everything to do with emerging executive functions that have simply not been taught yet?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper welcomes back two familiar faces, executive functioning expert Mitch Weathers and primary educator and researcher Sarah Oberle, to
NCMLE Bonus: Sustainable Leadership, Perseverance, and Motivation with Katie Powell, Ronnel Blackmon, & Charles Williams
What does it take to truly engage a middle schooler, build a classroom where every student feels like they belong, and sustain yourself as a leader for the long haul? In this second bonus episode recorded live at the NCMLE Moving the Middle Forward Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua Stamper brings you three more energizing conversations straight from the conference floor, sponsored by
374. Teaching in Color: Featuring Brandon Jenkins
What does it look like when a third grade STEM teacher from Houston uses comedy, creativity, and storytelling to pull back the curtain on the real life of an educator and build a community that refuses to feel alone?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with educator, podcaster, and doctoral student Brandon Jenkins to talk about the power of authentic storytelling in educa
NCMLE Bonus: Resilience, AI, and Community with Julie Hasson, Brad Waid, and David James
What does it look and feel like to be surrounded by 400 passionate middle level educators for three days straight?
In this first bonus episode recorded live at the NCMLE Moving the Middle Forward Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, Joshua Stamper brings you three powerful conversations straight from the conference floor, sponsored by New Horizons Global.
First, Joshua sits down with resili
373. Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Missing Link in Teacher Retention: Featuring Katrina Huels
What if the burnout crisis in education is not just a workload problem but a skills gap? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Corwin author and educator Katrina Huels to unpack why 54% of K through 12 educators report feeling burnt out often or always, and what leaders and teachers can actually do about it.
Katrina draws on her 14 years of leadership experience across
372. It Is Not Procrastination, It Is Executive Function: Featuring Carrie Bonnett
Why do some students sit and do “nothing” when we give them plenty of time to work, and why does “just get to work” rarely change anything?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with executive function coach Carrie Bonnett about task initiation as a teachable brain based skill rather than a character flaw. Drawing on her years as a middle and high school teacher and her current
371. Lead Where Your Feet Are: Featuring David James
What happens when a former assistant principal chooses to return to the middle school classroom and discovers a deeper, wider form of leadership than the front office ever offered?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with David James, seventh grade social studies teacher, lead mentor, and conference director for the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education, about
370. For the Educators Who are Exhausted and Overextended: Featuring Kim Gameroz
Educators are exhausted, overextended, and still trying to show up fully for kids. So what does it actually look like to build a sustainable life and career in schools instead of just surviving the year?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Kim Gameroz to celebrate the launch of her new book Becoming the BISON and explore how teachers can "be intentional so others not
Aspire Mailbag: EQ Over Ego & Navigating School Politics
Aspiring leaders asked: How do you lead with emotional intelligence (EQ) instead of ego, and navigate school politics without getting burned? In this bonus Aspire Mailbag with Jeff Gargas (COO, Teach Better), Joshua Stamper dives into self-awareness, empathy, humility, and building feedback loops to ditch ego-driven decisions for people-first leadership.They also tackle the politics game: map pow
369. The Science of School Discipline: Featuring Nathan Maynard
What happens when discipline shifts from punishment to teaching? In this important conversation, Joshua Stamper and Nathan Maynard unpack the ideas behind Nathan’s new book The Science of Discipline, exploring how schools can move from compliance-driven systems to accountable, trauma-informed practices that actually change behavior. Nathan shares what he has learned working with struggling school
368. Every Child Deserves a Team: Featuring Kurtis Hewson
How can schools ensure every student benefits from collective expertise without overwhelming teachers with endless meetings? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with Kurtis Hewson, co author of Collaborative Response and co founder of Jigsaw Learning, about a school wide model that replaces fragmented teams with purposeful, layered collaborative structures centered on data, evi
367. The Science of Kindness and Belonging: Featuring Dr. Christopher Culver
What happens when we decide to be present, patient, and kind in the middle of one of the hardest stretches of the school year? In this week's episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper welcomes back Dr. Christopher Culver to explore the science of kindness and belonging, the impact of chronic stress on educators, and why self compassion must come before we can sustain compassion for others.Dr. Cul
BONUS: Leading Well at Every Level with Mitch Weathers, TJ Vari and Joshua Stamper
This bonus Aspire to Lead episode brings you a featured segment from the Thriving Educators Summit, where Mitch Weathers facilitates a fast paced conversation with TJ Vari and Joshua Stamper about what it truly means to lead well in today’s schools, whether you are an aspiring leader, assistant principal, principal, or district administrator. The trio digs into mindset shifts from classroom to lea
366. Designing Routines for Executive Function Growth: Featuring Sarah Oberle
What if students’ “attention problems” were really a mismatch between how the brain works and how we structure learning?In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with first grade teacher, cognitive science scholar, and author Sarah Oberle about what executive functions actually are, core and higher order cognitive processes like working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility,
365. Establishing Your Leadership Identity and Experience: Featuring Brad Hughes
What if the strongest leaders in your school are already in classrooms, waiting for permission to step up?
In this week's episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper reconnects with longtime friend and former Teach Better teammate Brad Hughes, elementary principal in Ontario, Canada, to explore how aspiring leaders can build confidence, prepare for interviews, and maintain personal and professional
364. From Surviving to Flourishing Together: Featuring Mitch Weathers and Kim Gameroz
In this special conversation on Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, and Mitch Weathers share everything you need to know about the Thriving Educators Summit 2026 and how it was born from a desire to help teachers move from surviving to truly thriving after years of running hard and lean in schools. Listeners will hear the story behind the free virtual summit, what makes its fast paced, hi
Aspire Mailbag: Communication, Culture, and Conflict in School Leadership
How do you lead staff who seem stuck in their ways, resist new ideas, and quietly shut out new colleagues?
In this New Year episode of the Aspire Mailbag, Joshua Stamper and longtime co-host Jeff Gargas dig into anonymous listener questions from the Aspire Voxer community about culture, communication, and accountability.
Josh and Jeff unpack practical strategies for having hard one-on-one conver
363. Teaching with the Seasons for the Whole-Child: Featuring Walter McKenzie, Heather Lageman, and Leigh Alley
What if social-emotional learning, culture, and instruction could move in rhythm with the real seasons of a school year instead of feeling like “one more thing” on everyone’s plate?
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Walter McKenzie, Heather Lageman, and Leigh Alley introduce their book School Seasons xSELeratED and the xSELeratED Schools Framework, a month-by-month roadmap that helps educators
362. Harnessing Cultural Mapping to Build Commitment: Featuring Dr. Ben Johnson and Bobby Dodd
What if you could actually see the hidden influencers on your campus and use those connections to move culture forward instead of fighting it?
In this energizing Aspire to Lead episode, Joshua Stamper sits down with Dr. Ben Johnson, assistant superintendent and executive coach, and award-winning principal Bobby Dodd to unpack their new book, Intentional Influence, Harnessing Cultural Map
361. You Don’t Have to Leave the Classroom to Lead: Featuring Dr. Chris Jochum
What if the strongest leaders in your school are already in the classroom and do not need a new title to make a bigger impact? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with educator, author, and department chair Dr. Chris Jochum to unpack his book You Don’t Have to Leave to Lead, that reframes teachers as highly skilled influencers, not “just” a teacher.Dr. Jochum sha
360. Time, Tools, and Tactics for Real Instructional Leadership: Featuring Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari
What if the difference between surviving the principalship and loving it again came down to how you spend 90 minutes of your day?
In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with longtime collaborators Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari from The Schoolhouse 302 to explore how their new book, Time, Tools and Tactics of Instructional Leadership, A Principal’s Guide to Lea
359. Inside-Out Transformation with Mental Health Cohorts Featuring Charle Peck
What if the key to improving student behavior and strengthening school culture starts with how adults care for themselves and each other?
In this dynamic Aspire to Lead conversation, Charle Peck joins Joshua Stamper to reveal how a new cohort model is reshaping the way educators care for their mental health and support one another. Charle shares how districts are forming dedicated teams of teacher
358. Building a Leadership Life That Lasts: Featuring Evan Robb
What if the real secret to long term leadership is not endurance at all, but learning how not to lose yourself along the way?
In this standout episode of Aspire to Lead, Principal Evan Robb returns with a candid and deeply human look at what it truly means to lead for the long game. From becoming a principal at thirty two and opening a school of more than one thousand three hundred students to sp
357. Creating a Values-Driven Leadership Life: Featuring Dr. Sarah Johnson
In this transformative episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Sarah Johnson rejoins host Joshua Stamper for a masterclass in authentic leadership and personal growth. Together, they share candid stories about why every educator, no matter their role or experience, needs to clarify their core values to build trust, weather challenges, and find joy in their journey. Dr. Johnson reveals lessons from her rece
Aspire Mailbag: Trust, Control, and Checking our Ego
Leadership isn’t scripted...and neither is this conversation.
In Episode 35 of Aspire Mailbag, Josh Stamper and Jeff Gargas tackle two listener questions that every leader has wrestled with (even if they won’t admit it):
💬 How do you respond when you’re told to do something you’re already doing—without sounding defensive?💬 And how can leaders recognize when their own need for control is actually b
356. Turning Behavior Support into a Promise of Care: Featuring Tim Grivois
What if behavior support wasn’t a system to manage but a promise to keep? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper and guest Tim Grivois explore how leaders can transform traditional approaches to behavior into authentic commitments to student well-being and inclusion. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, principal, and consultant, Tim challenges the norms of PBIS and “Che
BONUS: Teach Better Talk on the Aspire to Lead Cohort
What happens when two longtime collaborators reunite to reimagine how we grow as leaders? In this uplifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Jeff Gargas joins Joshua Stamper to celebrate the return of authentic connection, collaboration, and purpose in leadership development.
Together, they reflect on their early podcasting days, explore the challenges today’s leaders face, and unveil Joshua’s ne
355. The 4 Elements of Leadership: Featuring Tyler Comeau
What if the secret to great leadership was hidden in the elements that shape our world?
Educator and author Tyler Comeau believes it is. From the frozen courts of the Northwest Territories to international stages, Tyler’s journey has been one of discovery—of purpose, resilience, and the fire that fuels authentic leadership.
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper and Tyler unpack The Ele
354. Reigniting the Spark Within: Featuring Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson
What keeps great leaders and teachers going when the work feels heavy and the energy starts to fade?
In this heart-centered conversation, my amazing guest, Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson, explores what it truly means to sustain passion in education, long after the initial excitement wears off. Together, we unpack the practices that fuel resilience, the power of self-compassion in leadership, and the s
353. A New Path for Aspiring Leaders with Joshua Stamper and Kim Gameroz
In this special episode, Joshua Stamper welcomes Kim Gameroz to announce the launch of the Aspire to Lead Cohort. Discover how this exclusive program was designed to address the real challenges aspiring leaders face, and learn about the community, mentorship, and practical strategies that make this cohort the answer for educators seeking to advance their leadership careers. Hear personal stories,
352. Empowering the Next Generation of Girls: Featuring Jill Peterson and Mary Frances
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper is joined by Jill and Mary, the powerhouse co-founders of Girls Mentorship, an Arizona-based organization helping tween and teen girls unlock their confidence, build emotional intelligence, and navigate life’s challenges with strength and self-awareness.
Together, they dive into the importance of teaching personal development skills early
351. Leading with Relational Intelligence: Featuring Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
In this powerful episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, co-author of Relational Intelligence, joins me to explore how trust, empathy, and authentic connection transform school leadership. Together, we discuss how leaders can shift from transactional to transformational practices, especially during times of crisis and change.Dr. Edoho-Eket introduces the HOPE framework—Hope, Opportunity,
350. Finding Your Spark to Redefine Leadership: Featuring Danny Steele
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I sit down with Danny Steele, veteran principal and author of The Instructional Leader in You. Together, we dive into what it truly takes to build a thriving school culture, stay inspired as an educator, and sustain longevity in leadership without burning out. Danny shares his insights from over 12 years as a principal and offers a fresh perspective on
BONUS: The Language of Behavior Strategies at the Thrive Conference
In this Bonus Episode, Joshua Stamper, co-author of The Language of Behavior, presents at the Thrive Virtual Conference and unpacks three powerful tenets that reshape how we respond to student behavior.
In this Thrive session, Josh shares practical strategies educators can implement immediately, including:
✔️ The Push-In Model for real-time student support
✔️ A framework for teaching after mist
349. Creating a Drug-Free Future for Students: Featuring Jake White
What if drug prevention could be exciting, empowering, and led by students themselves?
In this episode, Jake White, co-founder of Vive 18, shares his innovative approach to youth drug prevention and mental health awareness. From hosting unforgettable drug-free events to helping students launch their own prevention clubs, Jake has reached thousands of young people with a message of hope and empow
348. Instructional Leadership That Transforms Learning: Featuring Valerie Arechiga
As a leader, what does instructional leadership look like in action?
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Valerie Arechiga shares her journey as an aspiring leader and her powerful insights on what instructional leadership must look like in today’s classrooms. We explore her work with Thinking Nation and how its services are reshaping the way educators approach literature and social studi
347. The Guide to Creating a School Kids Deserve: Featuring Todd Nesloney
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Todd Nesloney shares insights from his new online course, Culture Unleashed: Your Guide to Creating a School Kids Deserve. Together, we explore how school culture isn’t accidental—it’s intentionally built through vision, relationships, and purposeful action. Todd unpacks strategies for creating classrooms and campuses where joy, connection, and growth t
346. Racing the Future of Education: Featuring Brad Waid
In this forward-looking episode of Aspire to Lead, Brad Waid, international speaker and author of the upcoming book Racing the Future, joins me to explore how technology is reshaping classrooms and careers. From sparking discovery in students to preparing them for jobs that don’t yet exist, Brad shares powerful insights on the role of emerging technology in shaping the future workforce. We also di
345. Nurturing the Emerging Teacher Leader: Featuring Dr. Kathy Perez and Dr. Margaret Coughlan
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan, co-authors of The Emerging Teacher Leader: 6 Dynamic Practices to Nurture Professional Growth. Together, we explore the true value of teacher leadership and how it shapes not only school culture but also student learning.
Kathy and Margaret share their own educational and leadership journeys, unpack
344. Stressed Leader Strategies to Stay in the Game: Featuring Dr. Dan Stecken
Superintendent and author Dr. Dan Stecken joins me to share his personal journey through burnout and the inspiration behind his book Stressed Leaders: Stay in the Game. In this candid conversation, we discuss why leaders aren’t broken—they’re burned out—and how that critical distinction can reshape how we approach leadership, recovery, and sustainability.
Dr. Stecken reveals the moment he realized
343. Leadership Starts with Clarity: A Joint Episode with Darrin Peppard
In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and Aspire to Lead, Darrin Peppard and Joshua Stamper team up once again for their annual back-to-school leadership conversation.
As educators and leaders gear up for a new year, Darrin and Joshua dive deep into:
What clarity looks like at the start of the school year
How new leaders can define success before the chaos begins
Buildin
BONUS: VIBE Edu – Why Most PD Falls Flat and What Educators Actually Need
Welcome to a special bonus episode of the VIBE Edu Podcast! In the very first episode of the VIBE Edu Podcast, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, Mitch Weathers, and myself, Joshua Stamper, sit down for a raw, honest roundtable discussion about a topic every educator has strong feelings about—professional development.From the worst PD sessions they’ve ever endured to the real reasons educators are tuning out,
Improving Memory and Retrieval Processes: Featuring Mitch Weathers
In this powerful new installment of our monthly series, Mitch Weathers, creator of Organized Binder and author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom, returns to the mic for an energizing conversation that’s all about optimizing the way students think, learn, and succeed.
We kick things off with an exciting announcement about our new project, The VIBE Edu Podcast, before diving into practical
342. From Survival Mode to Systemic Change: Featuring Dr. Casey Jakubowski
What if the answer to burnout wasn’t escape, but empowerment? In this transformative episode, Dr. Casey Jakubowski—educator, consultant, and founder of OK to Outstanding—joins me to unpack the real challenges and untapped potential within the profession. Together, we explore what it truly means to lead in education, even without a formal title, and how teachers can overcome imposter syndrome to em
341. The Truth Behind Leadership Clarity and Collaboration: Featuring Casey Watts
What if the leadership phrases we rely on—like “clear is kind”—are actually holding us back? In this thought-provoking episode, Casey Watts, educational consultant and creator of the Clarity Cycle Framework, challenges conventional leadership wisdom and invites us to rethink how we lead, grow, and collaborate.
We explore how faux collaboration is silently stalling school progress, how to recognize
Bonus: The Ruler Shortcut and the Cost of Convenience
In this short solo episode of Aspire to Lead, I share a lesson from the art room that turned into a leadership metaphor I never forgot. Every year, students tried to "hack" an art project using the width of a ruler instead of following directions—and every time, it led to more work and frustration. As leaders, we do this too. Whether it’s a hasty email or skipping essential context, shortcuts ofte
Tackling Cognitive Overload and Working Memory: Featuring Mitch Weathers
What if the key to classroom behavior isn’t discipline—but cognitive clarity?
In this mind-shifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and creator of Organized Binder, joins us to unpack the real impact of cognitive overload and working memory on student behavior. We explore how executive functioning isn’t just a set of skills—it’s the back
340. Leading Like a BISON: Featuring Kim Gameroz
What does it mean to lead like a BISON? In this energizing episode, Kim Gameroz joins me to talk about her new book Becoming the Bison, her powerful new podcast Unleashing the Bison, and the highly anticipated VIBE Edu event on August 1st—where I’m honored to be speaking!
Together, we explore how school leaders can launch Social Emotional Learning the right way, avoiding the culture-killing mista
339. Reigniting Purpose and Passion in Education: Featuring CJ Reynolds
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338. Constructing Culture That Connects: Featuring Josh Tovar
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