On this episode, Michael speaks with Dawne Hanks, founder and CEO of Eliminate Girl Hate. With over two decades of experience as a brand and marketing strategist, Dawne has journeyed across the globe, delving into the intricacies of human behavior and gaining a profound global perspective—both in the spotlight and behind the scenes. Renowned for aw…

On this episode, Michael speaks to Juliet Starrett. Juliet is the coauthor of NYT Bestseller Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, as well as the CEO of The Ready State, a multi-million-dollar company that has disrupted the fitness industry with a new market category of movement and mobility content. She fo…

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bob Carter. Bob Carter is a connector and philanthropic visionary who champions creative solutions to institutional strategy and humanitarian challenges worldwide. He's a founding board member of the World Health Organization Foundation and the African American Development Officers Network Board, serves as a boa…

On this episode, Michael speaks with Bryan Maher. Bryan is a songwriter, music producer, and new dad. He's also the lead signer of the band, Black Suit Youth. Black Suit Youth is a four piece DIY rock band from, New York. Currently signed to 59X Records, they have been self-releasing albums and EPs and booking their own tours for years. They have p…

On this episode, Michael speaks with Christine Astarita. Christine is the owner and founder of Breakthrough Intensive PT, an organization focused on helping kids and adults with disabilities, as well as their families, to improve the quality of their lives. She is also an endurance athlete, using her mission at Breakthrough to fuel purpose behind h…

On the first episode of Season 2, Michael speaks with Rebecca Rusch. Rebecca is a world-class explorer, professional athlete, acclaimed speaker and author who brings her wilderness wisdom to top trailblazers to reach the heights of human performance in leadership, business, and life. Rebecca launched three thriving organizations: Rusch Ventures, Th…

On the season one finale, Michael speaks to his wife, Gina DeGregorio-Sonbert. Gina is a former music publicist turned psychologist, autism advocate, author, and business owner. On this episode, Gina and Michael talk about reality TV, walking away from something that no longer serves you (even when you're really successful at it), and raising child…

On this episode, Michael speaks with Mark Anthony. Mark Anthony is an international speaker and business advisor. He has lectured as well as trained and coached business professionals on six of the seven continents. At the age of nineteen, Mark started his first business and in only a few short years, had clients coast to coast. In his thirties, he…

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dr. Amber Langley-Gill. Amber is an author, founder of Biohacker Babe Academy, and a content strategist. Formerly an emergency/critical care veterinarian, she quickly shifted her focus from veterinary medicine to brain + gut health when her twins were born prematurely. As she embarked on a personal mission to he…

On this episode, Michael speaks with Dave Lubelczyk - AKA, The Brain For Rent. A former branding columnist, business author, brand strategist, idea incubation consultant, and President of the branding firm IMAGEidentity, LTD. he has provided creative and consultation services to large corporations, non-profits, and small start-ups for over thirty y…

On this episode, Michael speaks to Jenn Jordan. Jenn is a healthcare attorney, a mom of three, a wellness coach focused on women's growth, and an endurance athlete. On this episode, Jenn and Michael talk about the importance of challenging oneself, embracing pain, and Jenn's super-human endurance feats. Enjoy!…

On this episode, Michael speaks to Melissa Finkelstein. Melissa is a New Jersey-based author, lawyer, and proud mom of three. Since she was a young girl, Melissa has loved creating stories and poems. She began her career as a litigator in Manhattan but craved a more creative and whimsical outlet. Once she had her son (7), and twin daughters (5), Me…

On this episode, Michael speaks with Noah Pines. Noah is a criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta and a frequent guest commentator on Court TV. A partner at Ross & Pines, he's known for his willingness to tackle tough cases. He also talks to teens to offer guidance about real-life legal issues they need to know the repercussions of including fake IDS, …

On this episode, Michael speaks with Leo Chan. Leo is the founder of Abound Innovation Inc., former Senior Innovation Lead at Chick-fil-A, and former innovator at State Farm Insurance. He believes a work culture that empowers innovators creates a thriving atmosphere for meaningful, fulfilling work with exponential impact. Leo is a named inventor on…

Kimberly King is an award-winning author, teacher, and authority on sexual abuse prevention. A survivor of sexual assault turned advocate and educator, Kimberly started her work with sexual abuse prevention as a women’s health Peer Counselor and Human Sexuality teaching assistant to the renowned Dr. Sandra Caron. After more than a decade of teachin…

On this episode, Michael speaks to Winn Claybaugh. Winn is the author of Be Nice (Or Else!) and “one of the best motivational speakers in the country,” according to CNN’s Larry King, who wrote the foreword for the book. Winn is the founder, co-owner, and dean of Paul Mitchell Advanced Education, and a popular seminar leader and keynote speaker. He …

Michael Parnell is a Father, Husband, Entrepreneur, and Founder of The Ascent2aCure Foundation, a non-profit public charity which holds all expense paid adventure camps for children with the rare autoimmune disease, Juvenile Myositis, and their families. His daughter, Ryan, was diagnosed with the disease at the age of 3, and he and his wife Erin ha…

Thomas Hamm is the Founder & CEO of SMASH Wellness LLC providing clients with holistic fitness and wellness practices. He refers to himself as your "Wellness GPS," helping you to arrive at your desired destination as safely and as quickly as possible. He has studied, traveled, and worked with clients in cities around the globe such as Napa Valley, …

On this episode, Michael speaks to Keith Hille. Keith is a husband, father, designer, and performer. As a designer, his affection for branding radiates through his creative services with Hille Design. His passion for music and connecting with people shines brightest when he's on stage, leading sing-alongs to energized crowds. Keith and Michael talk…

On this episode, Michael speaks with keynote, TEDx speaker, and consultant, Jenn Whitmer. Jenn helps leaders solve conflict, cultivate communication, and create empowered teams. Jenn and Michael talk about leading with care, the impact of having a toxic boss, and the "humbling weight of responsibility." Additionally, Jenn introduces Michael to the …

On this episode, Michael speaks with attorney, Eric Bland. Recognized by CNN, The Today Show, Dateline, Court TV, and People Magazine, Eric Bland is also a speaker, podcast host, media correspondent, and fitness nut. Eric has gained the reputation of being a tenacious litigator and the person who blew open the Murtaugh Murder Case in South Carolina…

Darren Roberts is an entrepreneur, husband, father, marathoner, and ultra-marathoner who's highly interested in how individuals overcome fear and doubt to achieve their goals and dreams. On this episode, Darren and Michael talk about building strong relationships, living with intention, the benefits of running without music, and how to push past do…

On this episode, Michael speaks to Justin Weatherholtz. Justin is a world-renowned tattoo artist, event promoter, illustrator, painter, and musician. He's traveled the globe, sharing his art with the world. They talk about the importance of humility, being willing to leave security behind in search of something deeper, and how to embrace having the…

On this episode, Michael speaks to Maureen “Moe” Pierce, an educator for sexual abuse awareness and certified self-defense instructor. Her journey began at the young age of 8, after she became a survivor of abduction, assault, and rape. Moe’s passion is to use her experience to help others not only defend themselves but for survivors to take their …

On episode 3, Michael talks to Michael Goldberg, the former executive director of Northwell Health’s Long Island Jewish Medical Center. At LIJ, Michael led the day-to-day operations of the hospital’s $1 billion annual operating budget, 583 beds, 6,500 employees, and 4,000 physicians. Michael has since founded and created Walkalongside Leader, Inc. …

On this episode, Michael talks betting on yourself, showing up big, and overcoming imposter syndrome with Whitney McDuff. Whitney is a public speaker’s secret weapon. She works with purpose-driven leaders to build visible, credible, and profitable brands through public speaking and PR. With clients showcased on stages around the world and recognize…

On the debut episode of The Inspiration Accelerator, Michael speaks with the NAHA 2022 Educator of the Year, John Mosely: AKA, The Popular Nobody. John was Kendrick Lamar's personal barber, and his work has been featured in GQ, New York Times Style, Black Enterprise, Rolling Stone, and more. John is an impactful speaker who's committed to driving c…

In this season 2 finale, Antonio and Michael skip the formalities and dive right into wokeness, the radical right and left, state testing, trans' rights, and race with resident fellow and director of education policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute, author of Cage-Busting Leadership, and renowned conservative voice, Rick Hess.…

In this episode, Antonio and Michael share their biggest pet peeves, they talk about social belonging, and they receive a master class in early literacy from Joan Kelley and Frank Grossman.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Antonio mixes up a nasty cocktail, the guys chat about snake-twerking, and they talk about The Achievement Plateau with principal, Rob Berretta.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Antonio makes a discovery about music, the guys debate the viability of getting rid of their cell phones, and they get an education on African proverbs, baseball, cheesecake, and most importantly, school, from their guest, Edward Richerson.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Antonio refuses to reveal what football team he roots for, Michael has strong thoughts about Eminem's beard, and our guest, Dr. Courtney Lemon-Tate, shares her thoughts on the importance of systems in schools.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, the guys debate Mariah Carey vs. J-Lo, cookies vs. radishes, and they discuss the polarizing topic of teacher evaluations.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, the guys talk about Oprah, Metallica, dog poop, and they discuss the one thing everyone in K-12 Ed can agree on: PD sucks.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Mike and Tony shorten their names, offend spinach and social studies, and discuss the current state of pandemic schooling and what they believe comes next.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, the team discusses their Thanksgiving favorites (and least favorites), the Chinese character for learning, and they scratch the surface around their favorite topic: Rebel Culture.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, the team talks pancakes, Tesla Cars, and our guest, Lauren Miller, shares on all things Special Education.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Antonio and Michael discuss cold showers, toxic positivity, and the existence (or not) of aliens. They also talk about why change is so hard and offer practical strategies for fostering it.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Michael promotes a radical theory about pop music, the guys discuss the most important life-skill a person can have, and our guest, Kirby, talks about instruction, culture, and relationships in schools.By Meredith Howell-Turner

On this episode, Antonio and Michael discuss the perils of social media, drink wine straight from the bottle (well, one of them does), and they speak with entrepreneur and advocate Dawne Hanks - founder of Eliminate Girl Hate.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Michael breaks the 4th wall, Antonio recites the Greek Alphabet (well, he tries to), and the team talks trends, pitfalls, and predictions for the new school year.By Meredith Howell-Turner

On this episode, Antonio challenges Michael to a tennis match, the team debates spending $100 on a golden cheesesteak, and they talk about whether or not there's a science to being good at everything (and Michael does talk about everything - except education).By Meredith Howell-Turner

On this episode, Antonio challenges Michael to a race, the team creates a super-secret password, and they discuss an often overlooked but immensely important topic for schools and school leaders: organizational health.By Meredith Howell-Turner

On this week's episode, Michael gives Antonio a nickname, the team pays tribute to DMX, and veteran school leader, Sharifa Edwards, tells it like it is on all things K-12 education.By Meredith Howell-Turner

On their most controversial episode yet, Antonio and Michael talk about spicy food, staff appreciation, and they get really real about something they call The Equity Hypocrisy.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In Episode 9, Antonio and Michael talk innovation in schools, education trends across the globe, and Royal Family Drama with life-long educator and International Man of Mystery, John Baumber.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Antonio and Michael talk classic movies, they make a plan to drink Jägermeister, and they get fired up about one of their favorite topics: teacher coaching.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In Episode 7, Antonio and Michael talk tequila, bodega cats, NY "cuisine", and relationships in schools, with school leader Angel Pina.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In this episode, Antonio and Michael disagree about bees, talk about KC barbecue, make their Super Bowl predictions (let's see who was right), and go all-in on a conversation about setting and getting goals in schools.By Meredith Howell-Turner

In Episode 5, Michael and Antonio debate the best pizza toppings and give a shout out to our newest listeners in France and Japan!! They are joined by guest Rashaun Reid, an expert on all things K-12 education in both virtual and brick and mortar settings. Thank you for listening!By Meredith Howell-Turner