Episodes
Dr. Jessica Long is a Clinical Psychologist in Kennewick, Washington. She has been a Psychologist for over 10 years with experience working with youth, adults, and families. She received a BA in Psychology from Sacred Heart University of Fairfield, CT in 1999. In this episode, Dr. Long discusses the importance of seeking help from a trusted adult. Later, Ellie joins Taya and Makenzie to discuss the importance of empathy and how you can help your friends if they are struggling.
Published 04/06/20
Kristen Nan is an educator, blogger, speaker, and the co-author of the inspiring book: All In: Taking a Gamble in Education. She is the founder of True Grit, a foundation to create success in learning and life. In this episode, Nan discusses her childhood and how that shaped her life and the person she is today. Also, Taya joins Lilly and Makenzie to talk about what it’s like to learn in an award winning culture.
Published 04/06/20
Fabian Ramirez is an anti-bullying speaker and drug prevention specialist based out of Washington DC. In this episode, Ramirez talks about how students can build resilience and stay strong to help others in our school communities. Later, Brielle joins Macie and Hayes to talk about how they can show resilience and stand up for those in our Wildcat Nation family that need us.
Published 04/06/20
Paul Casey is a national keynote speaker, author, trainer, and leadership consultant, who has been serving the corporate world for 24 years. Casey is the author of Maximizing Every Minute. He is a recognized expert on time management, and personal growth. In this episode, Casey talks about time management and the best way to work in a TEAM successfully in middle school. Later Brielle joins Josh and Jordan to discuss being a leader now in middle school.
Published 04/06/20
Lee Caraher is the founder and CEO of Double Forte, a national public relations and digital media agency, based in San Francisco, that works with beloved consumer and technology brands. She is also the author of the Millenials and Management and The Boomerang Principle. In this episode Lee talks about how to be successful as a leader in every situation, not just business. Later, Qurin joins Lilly and Jordan to discuss how they can start now in middle school learning to be a successful...
Published 04/06/20
Tara Martin is an enthusiastic educator, national keynote speaker and author of "BE Real: Educate from the Heart" and "Cannonball In." Currently, she's the PR and Communication Director at Dave Burgess Consulting. In this episode, Tara talks about being REAL and her experiences as a middle schooler. Later, Desi joins Macey and Macie to discuss how you can be your authentic self in every situation.
Published 03/08/20
Jewell Parker Rhodes is an award winning author of six adult novels, and numerous young adult novels. Her fearless and authentic literature includes: Ghost Boys, Towers Falling, and Black Brother, Black Brother. In this episode, Rhodes discusses her childhood and how that impacts her writing. She also discusses the importance of teaching young people about the world. Later, Hayes joins Qurin and Kian to discuss her influence on them and the lasting effect she will have on a new generation...
Published 03/01/20
Sheldon Weddle is an amazing vice principal for Enterprise Middle School. As a graduate and former kicker from Eastern Washington University, Weddle's is now in his 9th year in education. Weddle is a passionate educational leader who models excellence everyday. In this episode, Weddle shares his template for being a leader of character. Later, Lilly joins Brayden and Desi to breakdown Weddle’s poignant words.
Published 02/17/20
Jimmy Casas is CEO and President of J Casas and Associates, and a recognized expert in school culture. Casas is an award-winning educator, speaker, and author. He's the author of “What Connected Educators Do Differently,” “Start.Right.Now,” “Stop.Right.Now,” and the best-selling book “Culturize.” In this episode, Casas shares wisdom of how to Live Your Excellence, while inspiring others through passionate leadership. Later, Ayla joins Nicole and Macey to reflect on modeling your desired
Published 02/09/20
Evan Robb and 7th grade student Davis are from Johnson-Williams Middle School in Berryville, Virginia. In this episode, Robb and Davis discuss the great ways that Johnson-Williams middle school is rocking it and doing amazing things for students. Later, Qurin joins Hayes and Brielle to discuss what they learned from a fellow middle schooler and what they want to bring to Wildcat Nation.
Published 01/21/20
Dr. Amy Fast is the author of an outstanding book called, "It's the Mission, Not the Mandates." Fast is a former teacher, instructional coach, professional developer, and now current educational lead principal at McMinnville High School in Oregon. In this episode, Fast talks about having your 3 word why and letting that carry you through every decision you make. Later, Taya joins Nicole and Jordan to discuss their why and how teachers can be more effective knowing their students’ stories.
Published 01/13/20
Rosanna Herrera-Brown is Program Director of Crisis and Prevention at the Support, Advocacy, Resource Center (SARC) in Kennewick Washington. She is absolutely driven by an inner passion and purpose to advocate for those who face social injustices, promote social change & eliminate sexual violence. In this episode, Herrera-Brown shares how the power of information can prevent violence, bullying, and harassment. Later, Makenzie joins Taya and Elli to discuss the need for societal change.
Published 01/04/20
Jason Treu is a chief people officer, employee engagement and leadership development expert, author, and Keynote Speaker. Treu is the best selling author of "Social Wealth: A How To Guide on Building Extraordinary Business Relationships by Transforming the Way We Live, Love, Lead, and Network." In this episode, Treu shares his keys to a successful culture. Later, Brielle joins Hayes and Macie to break down trusting teams.
Published 12/22/19
Kyle Willkom is a leadership speaker and trainer who lives an action filled life. He has written 2 books, Wake Up Call and The Thinking Dilemma, and created a dynamic leadership course called Action Packed Life. In this episode, Willkom relates events in his life to leadership. Later, Josh joins Macie and Jack to talk about choosing to have fun and make good choices at the same time.
Published 12/14/19
Rachael Mann is the founder of #TeachlikeTED, the co-author of the book “Martians in Your Classroom" and a highly sought out National Keynote and TEDx Speaker on the future of education who loves to help educators rethink some of their learning spaces. In this episode, Mann discusses the necessary shift that is happening. Later, Nicole and Macie are joined by Macey as they discuss the impact this new way of thinking has on the current classroom.
Published 12/08/19
Dr. Joe Martin is an award-winning international speaker, author, educator, and certified "man builder". Dr. Martin teachers young people to become leaders in their community based on his life experience. In this episode, Dr. Martin shares about his childhood and how important it is to reach out to a trusted adult. Later, Ayla and Hayes discuss the importance of having in their relationships.
Published 12/01/19
Dan Tricarico is the author of The Zen Teacher: Creating Focus, Simplicity, and Tranquility in the Classroom and Sanctuaries: Self-Care Secrets for Stressed Out Teachers. He’s a talented speaker and trainer on self care for educators and students. In this episode, Tricarico shares the impact of wellness on education and beyond. Later, Qurin joins Marla and Jordan to discuss how they can find their inner zen through mindfulness and self care.
Published 11/23/19
Brooks Gibbs is the author of “Love is Greater than Hate,” an award winning speaker and social educator to students, teachers, and parents. In this episode, Gibbs tells funny stories of how we need to learn to be resilient and patient with everyone in our life. Later, Elli joins Josh and Hayes to talk about how resilience and having a team to keep you accountable is important in middle school.
Published 11/17/19
Don Smith is a former Lieutenant commander in the Navy for 20 years, a Certified Public Accountant, and was a teacher at Washington State University for another 20 years. He is now a retired veteran of Vietnam and has two kids, twelve grandkids, and two great-grandkids. In this episode, Smith shares his incredible resilience and leadership skills he has accumulated over 77 years. Later, Kian joins Josh and Taya to reflect on the lessons from a life of servant leadership.
Published 11/06/19
Allyson Apsey is the principal at Quincy Elementary School in Zeeland, Michigan. She's a national speaker including a TEDx talk. Furthermore, she's the author of three amazing books, The Path to Serendipity, Through the Lens of Serendipity, and The Princes of Serendip. In this episode, Apsey talks about her passion for serendipity and how that has guided her life. Later, Macie joins Qurin and Jordan to discuss the importance of gratitude in your life and how to show empathy towards each...
Published 11/02/19
Dennis Gillan is a professional mental health speaker and suicide prevention activist. Gillan's personal story with the suicide of his two brothers has touched the lives of many around the globe. In this episode, Gillan discusses the signs of suicide and how we can help those in need. Later, Ayla joins Desi and Taya to dive into some deep emotional thoughts on mental health, suicide, and helping those that are closest to us.
Published 10/26/19
Elisabeth Bostwick is the author of Take the L.E.A.P.:  Ignite a Culture of Innovation.  Bostwick combines her passion for teaching and learning with her vision for enhancing a collaborative culture of thought leaders.  In this episode, Bostwick talks about finding your passion and not being afraid to stand up for yourself and what you want to learn.  Later, Kian joins Macey and Ayla to discuss taking control of your learning and becoming comfortable in sharing your own voice.
Published 10/12/19
Jared Smith is the creator of “Project: Love People” and a CharacterStrong rock-star Speaker. He has a strong belief that all people have tremendous potential and capabilities. His most important message is very simple...Love People!  In this episode, Smith talks about the importance of loving everyone and how the simple things can make the world a better place.  Later, Desi joins Brayden and Brielle to talk about how they can show a little more love.
Published 10/05/19
George Couros is currently a world renowned innovative teaching, learning, and leadership consultant who travels the world speaking, writing and practicing his vision for education into existence. He's the author of The Innovator's Mindset and Innovate Inside the Box. In this episode, Couros highlights the power of innovation and relationships. Later, Qurin joins Nicole and Jordan to reflect on powerful learning experiences.
Published 09/29/19