Best Escambia County Public Schools Podcasts (2024)

1
Ep 104 | Can art inspire learning? 22:57

6h ago22:57

22:57

Kenneth Jordan II is an award-winning artist, graduate of WFHS and alumni of McArthur Elementary School who is lending his brilliance back to his old classroom. Known for his highly realistic portraits using crayons, he’s helping students recognize their feelings and do what he calls, “see their own hand.” Listen to how he illuminates the connectio…

1
Ep 103 | Critical thinking: Can it be taught? 27:13

7h ago27:13

27:13

Theory of knowledge asks International Baccalaureate students, "How do you know what you know?" Dylan Patterson and Audrey Foss are recent IB graduates of Pensacola High School. They used their final CAS project as a way to bring civic education to middle schoolers. Together with Gloria Eligio, the IB college counselor, hear what inspired them, how…

1
Ep 102 | How do you fix that? Not Your Grandfather’s Shop Class 21:13

15d ago21:13

21:13

Chad Cherry is the Building Construction teacher at Northview High School. In this episode, he shares how the building technologies academy is getting the next generation prepared for employment and homeownership through hands-on application of math, safety, critical thinking & interpersonal skills. Guest: Chad Cherry https://hbi.org/ Learn more ab…

1
Ep 101 | Why Stuff the Bus? 22:36

4d ago22:36

22:36

45% of Escambia County households are below the ALICE threshold - ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income, Constrained, Employed. This squeeze is sharply felt for families during back to school time when expenses pile up quickly. In this episode, Chris McFarland, the Coordinator of Student Services for Escambia County Public Schools and Laura Gillia…

1
Ep 100 | Teachers Rock (LITERALLY)! 22:22

29d ago22:22

22:22

West Florida High’s Juniors went from shock to awe when they found out their AP English teacher is in a band! Joey Truncale is the lead singer of the alternative rock band, Unicorn Wranglers. Grab a spot by the stage to hear how his unusual hobby has helped him better connect with and educate his students. Guest: Joey Truncale https://www.theunicor…

1
Ep 99 | Costello’s: Serving Up Sandwiches & Setting Up for Success 17:26

1M ago17:26

17:26

Christie Costello owns Costello’s Butcher Shop & Deli in Pensacola. In this episode she shares not about what she’s selling, but what she is giving away – 100-150 sandwiches to hungry neighborhood kids. She also shares the unusual way this idea came to her, her history with the Pensacola food scene & how she’s also setting up the next generation of…

1
Ep 98 | Are Your Girls Prepared? 16:15

1M ago16:15

16:15

Scottlin Williams is a meteorologist and the program manager for HERicane Escambia, a free summer camp that is a positive force for girls. In this episode, she shares who inspired her into meteorology, what the camp entails & how broadening representation in emergency management and public safety is good for everyone. Guest: Scottlin Williams https…

1
Ep 97 | Who is the 2025 Principal of the Year? 17:20

2M ago17:20

17:20

Esi Shannon never expected to be Principal of the Year, but she always expected to be a teacher. In this episode, she shares the story of her career, reluctant leadership, creating joyous learning & the misunderstood struggles of educational leadership. Guest: Esi Shannon Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://ecsd-fl.schoolloop.…

1
Ep 96 | Smart & Safe Internet Use 29:52

2M ago29:52

29:52

Information is moving at the speed of technology and our kids are learning it all, but how do we keep them safe? Brian Johnson is the Information Systems Security Manager for Escambia County Public Schools. In this episode, he shares insights into how we can support smart internet use for our kids & how the school system is supporting families. Gue…

1
Ep 95 | Should Every Parent Worry About Fentanyl? 34:05

2M ago34:05

34:05

In 2022, Stephanie Shepard’s son died from a fentanyl overdose. Unfortunately, this is not unusual, as Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties has the highest opioid overdose rate in the state. Vowing that his death not be in vain, she founded Hope Above Fear, a non-profit dedicated to help educate, de-stigmatize and overcome addiction i…

1
Ep 94 | Can Kids Learn to Be Leaders? 17:24

2M ago17:24

17:24

If kids could learn leadership skills, why would it matter? Amy McCrory and Shonna Gilmore have firsthand experience with student leadership. They are the principal and librarian at Bratt Elementary. In this episode, they share how their "Leader in Me" animal shelter drive not only made a concept a reality, but elevated academic performance. Guests…

1
Ep 93 | Is Cheerleading a Sport? 17:38

3M ago17:38

17:38

Morgan White is the special needs teacher & cheer coach at Tate Highschool. In this episode she shares how she has taken the Aggies cheer team to number 1 in the state three times, overcomes outdated stereotypes of cheerleading & shares how cheer is not just a sport, but a distinctive system to set kids up to be stellar members of the community. Gu…

1
Ep 92 | Who is the 2025 Teacher of the Year? 22:03

3M ago22:03

22:03

We all fondly remember that teacher who made a positive impact on us during our formative years. For many at Pine Meadow, I’ts 4th grade teacher, Cassi McGee, the 2025 ECPS Teacher of the Year. She returned to her first love of teaching after working as a stock broker & is now in her 21st year of teaching thriving in her element. Guest: Cassi McGee…

1
Ep 91 | Wheelchair Accessible Gym? 23:21

3M ago23:21

23:21

Where can kids with physical disabilities go to exercise both their mindset and their bodies? Tara Blackwell was a softball superstar at Pine Forest High School in the late 90s-early 2000's. In her sophomore year of college, an accident left her paralyzed. Unable to find accessible fitness options, she made her own, founding Project 7, Pensacola’s …

1
Ep 90 | An Apprenticeship that Pays? 30:15

3M ago30:15

30:15

It’s safe to say there are two things everyone likes: options and money. So how do you help your kid have both after they graduate from high school? College is expensive and time consuming, and job options are entry level with no upward trajectory. Rob Wise and Ben Weldon are in the talent acquisition department of the Ingalls shipbuilding employme…

1
Ep 89 | Scholarships for Playing Video Games? 23:58

4M ago23:58

23:58

Esports programs are quickly becoming the number one requested program for new student enrollment. Monica Willis, the Grants Management Specialist and District Military Liaison for the county shares why esports may not be what you think it is. In this episode, she shares what esports teams, coaches & practice look like, how it’s facilitating relati…

1
Ep 88 | Seriously - How Do You Set Goals for Kids? 30:08

4M ago30:08

30:08

Kids are a mystery. One day you can’t get them to sit still. The next day you can’t get them out of bed. Some homework is a breeze. Other homework is a battle. What is the best way to set goals with kids who are more focused on learning the latest TikTok dance than getting good grades? Larry Knight knows a thing or two about both kids and goals. He…

1
Ep 87 | How to Change Your career Path into a Classroom? 21:30

4M ago21:30

21:30

75% of new teachers in Escambia County are Alternative Certification Teachers, which means they didn’t start out on the educational track and took a different route to the classroom. Rachel Rodriguez Schrimsher is the program support specialist at the Professional Learning Certification Program. Hear from her why this program is so popular, why it …

1
Ep 86 | Fueling Hungry Minds 17:56

4M ago17:56

17:56

We all know how hard it is to work when you're starving or seriously low on the right kind of fuel. The same is true in the classroom; when your child's stomach is louder than the teacher and your child's energy level bottoms out. All learning stops at that point. Jaleena Davis, Director of School Food Services shares what foods your kids are actua…

1
Ep 85 | Student in the Mirror: Dignity & Confidence 27:18

4M ago27:18

27:18

Clothing insecurity impacts a large number of Escambia County students. It’s a dynamic that can distract them from learning and hurt social development. One program at CA Weis Elementary School is helping kids dress confidently. It’s called Care Closet. Lisa Smith Coleman, community partnerships school director and Janeisha Robinson, family communi…

1
Ep 84 | Want to Impress a Middle Schooler? 19:48

5M ago19:48

19:48

Talk to any parent of a middle schooler and you’ll hear about the struggle of early adolescence – them becoming their own person, their friend choices, and their need for deodorant. But don’t forget their academic motivation. How do you keep your kid engaged? Michelle Givens, Tate High graduate and teacher on special assignment at Flight Adventure …

1
Ep 83 | How to Help Teachers Teach & Students Succeed? 21:56

5M ago21:56

21:56

Teachers are the eyes and ears of what their students need. But teachers didn’t become teachers just to observe. That's why you’ll find that behind every successful person is a story of a dedicated educator who took an outside the box approach to help them learn. But what happens when teachers have great ideas, but no resources to implement their t…

1
Ep 82 | Afterschool is Ripe for Building Character 19:39

5M ago19:39

19:39

It’s said that afterschool hours of 3-6pm are primetime for risky youth behavior, but as a working parent, your options can feel limited. Kimberly Scott is helping head up a program that not only facilitates a safe space, but an atmosphere that enhances school performance. It’s Pensacola Little Theatre’s new program, “Character Building through Bui…

1
Ep 81 | The Arts: Extra or Essential? 23:04

5M ago23:04

23:04

When we think about growing confident kids, we think of sports, academic achievement, even making friends, but what about children’s chorus? Alex Gartner, the Artistic & Executive Director at Pensacola Children's Chorus shares why the arts are the unsung heroes for holistic success. Hear how the “Sing to Succeed” program is striving to eliminate th…

1
Ep 80 | STEM Avoidance to Confidence: STARBASE 23:58

6M ago23:58

23:58

One of the challenges parents face is helping their kids overcome academic setbacks. Statements like “I don’t like science” and “I’m just not good at math” can be bigger obstacles than the homework itself. Rita Miller, the Director of Department of Defense STARBASE Pensacola, explains how this immersive STEM experience program for 5th graders is cr…

1
Ep 79 | What Is Kindergarten Readiness? 20:28

6M ago20:28

20:28

Playing catch up not only makes learning not fun, but parenting as well – extra parent teacher meetings, IEPs, tutoring and even being held back a grade, but what can a parent do? ReadyKids is doing something to support parent efforts with early literacy for kindergarten readiness. In this episode, Kristy Craig, West Florida High School graduate an…

1
Ep 78 | Summer Slide or Summer Strong? 22:58

6M ago22:58

22:58

No one wants their kid kicking off their next school year to a slow start, but how do you prevent your child from the summer slide in their reading skills? Torrey Jones, Tate High graduate and Executive Director of Freedom Schools, discusses how a free, six-week summer program is helping K-8 grade students in Escambia County start their next school…

1
Ep 77 | FREE Classroom Supplies? Tools for Teachers 29:30

6M ago29:30

29:30

Ep 77 | FREE Classroom Supplies? Tools for Teachers Every parent wants their child to have the best quality education possible, including having the proper tools and resources, but how do we ensure every classroom has what it needs without teachers buying their own supplies? David Gardner & Jo McArthur share how they’ve united to solve this widespr…

1
Ep 76 | Can Global Education Create Local Unity? 28:02

7M ago28:02

28:02

Ever wonder how we can make the world a better place? It starts here. Vanessa Mays, Executive Director of Global Corner, talks about how bringing the whole world to the classroom brings skills and solutions to our hometown. Guest: Vanessa Mays https://theglobalcorner.org/ | https://www.facebook.com/TheGlobalCorner/ Learn more about Escambia County …

1
Ep 75 | Derrick Brooks: From Pensacola to the NFL 27:28

7M ago27:28

27:28

Every parent needs a little pick me up now and then – a real reminder you’re on the right path as a parent and your kid is gonna be ok. More than ok. Derreck Brooks, NFL Superstar and Washington High School class of 1991, shares his roots in Escambia County, why success is a team sport and how his charity is setting kids up for a winning future. Gu…

1
Ep 74 | Wanted: Passionate Paraprofessionals 21:31

7M ago21:31

21:31

Many local people express a desire to help others when asked about their hopes for their future careers, but getting there can often be a winding path. Cathy Rudd, principal of Escambia Westgate School and Dr. Keri Fogle, director of the Para-to-Teacher Tuition Support Program, talk about how this unique program could be a fit for people wanting to…

1
Ep 73 | How Do We Help Grieving Kids? 31:38

7M ago31:38

31:38

"I'm fine!" Grief is complex. It's more than sadness and can manifest is all kinds of ways. It can impact school. But it's never too late to connect grieving kids with each other in order to open up and find healthy ways to cope with the grief. Crista Brandt, the Director of Valerie's House opens up about her grief journey and shares how peer-to-pe…

1
Ep 72 | Can a Greenhouse Grow Minds? 17:48

7M ago17:48

17:48

We attribute fundraising and caretaking as characteristics of successful adults, but one student at Northview High School is showing out for his generation. Tyler Riggs has not only operated the school's greenhouse for the last 3 years, but got a $1,100 grant for much-needed upgrades. Student Tyler Riggs and teacher Brandon Korinchak share their co…

1
Ep 71 | Scholarship for High-Achieving, Low-Income Students 16:26

8M ago16:26

16:26

How do you, as a parent, help your academically strong child get to college when you're struggling to make ends meet? Elise Glidden, counselor at Booker T. Washington High School, explains Questbridge, a special college scholarship program for high-achieving, low-income students that matches the students with prestigious universities. You'll hear t…

1
Ep 70 | Homework? Tutor Me to the Rescue 21:16

8M ago21:16

21:16

Let's face it, helping with your child's homework can raise more questions than solving problems. Thankfully, there’s a solution. Tutor Me is a FREE 7 day a week virtual tutoring service available to all students in Escambia County. Jen Montoya and Rashena White will get you up to speed on how you can free yourself from the homework blues. Guests: …

1
Ep 69 | The future of Public Education in Escambia County 24:01

8M ago24:01

24:01

Some people like putting a face to name. In this episode, we like putting a voice to a title, to let you, the parent, get to know the people behind the email signatures and more importantly, our mission to be united for every child to succeed. So with that, meet Mr. Keith Leonard, the interim superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools. A teac…

1
Ep 68 | What Options Does a Technical College Offer? 27:42

8M ago27:42

27:42

Thomas TJ Rollins is the principal at George Stone Technical College, a trade school providing quality academic, career, and technical education. He shares how these work-based learning programs may be the fast track to financial stability, job security, and successful careers for the next graduating class of Escambia County high schoolers. Guests:…

1
Ep 67 | What Did You Do at School Today? Get Answers with Canvas 25:47

9M ago25:47

25:47

Wouldn't it be great to know what did your child did in school today and what assignments, tests, activities, events and even scholarship deadlines are looming in the near future? Well, there is an app for that. Jen Montoya and Rashena McWhite discuss how Canvas is streamlining and opening communications between parents, teachers and K-12 students.…

1
Ep 66 | Meet Pensacola's Globally Ranked Triathlete 26:14

9M ago26:14

26:14

Emma Meyers is a senior at Booker T Washington High School. At just 17, she is ranked third in the world in her triathlon level 4 class. She is also an amputee. Always up for a challenge, Emma jumped at the chance to do this podcast with us. Emma shares her experiences traveling the world, her goals and her ambitions for the future while her mom sh…

1
Ep 65 | Can Fitness Make Our Kids Better Students? 25:02

9M ago25:02

25:02

Join us as this Pine Forest High School graduate and former Escambia County educator shares why fitness matters in and out of the classroom, and what parents can do to set kids up for success. Dacia May is the CEO of Pensacola's first black-owned youth fitness studio, Healthy Habits & Opportunities, which is better known as H20. Guest: Dacia Mays h…

1
Ep 64 | It Takes a Village, but What's Plan B? 19:48

9M ago19:48

19:48

They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what happens when the villagers are busy, tired and fighting with rising housing and living costs? Chris McFarland, Director of Enrollment Services and Coordinator of Student Services talks about community partnerships and resources to lighten the load and help us to rally around our kids. Guest: Ch…

1
Ep 63 | College Bound? 5 Mistakes to Avoid 27:34

10M ago27:34

27:34

College is an opportunity to learn and grow. You don't have to have it all figured out before you enroll, but there are things you need to know to prepare for college. Layla Zandi-Karimi, a UWF admissions counselor and Pensacola local, helps create a path for parents and students by sharing 5 mistakes to avoid. Guest: Layla Zandi-Karimi https://uwf…

1
Ep 62 | What is the IB Program? 38:13

10M ago38:13

38:13

As a parent, you want the best for your kid. And you worry – is what I’m doing enough? Is this school enough? in this episode, a student and faculty member have unique stories to tell. Kathryn Trohn is the youngest of 15 children and the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. Dr. Colleen Boyett is the IB Diploma Program Coordinator at PHS and has taugh…

1
Ep 61 | What are Allstar Academic Teams? [RELOADED] 22:25

10M ago22:25

22:25

Tristan Harris is the coach for Escambia county’s Allstar Academic Team, a place where kids with drive & book smarts can gain a sense of community & competition. She proudly and passionately nerds out about how Escambia County students are winning by working together and scoring so much more than points as she explains how this trivia style tournam…

1
Ep 60 | Navigating Hunger [RELOADED] 23:38

10M ago23:38

23:38

Ever try working all day when you haven't eaten anything? Hunger is one of a number of factors that can make learning difficult for students. In this episode on the ECSD Navigator Program, we discuss how Escambia County Public Schools are working with students and their families to navigate these challenges. Guests: Jennifer Montoya https://docs.go…

1
Ep 59 | Free 4-Year College Scholarship? [RELOADED] 21:06

11M ago21:06

21:06

Avoiding college debt is key to setting up students for a strong start in adulthood, but how do you avoid student loans when you can barely make ends meet? The County Coordinator of Take Stock in Children, Sally Lee, shares the surprisingly simple way Escambia County students can qualify for free college scholarships and guidance from mentors as ea…

1
Ep 58 | Safe (& Free) Aftercare? [RELOADED] 34:57

11M ago34:57

34:57

If you’re a busy working parent, you’re a busy worrying parent, especially when it comes to after school care. Do you give your child a key to the house with instructions to do their chores & finish their homework? Or do you send them to aftercare? Will they be safe? Will they make friends? Robin Heller is the founder & executive director Seastars …

1
Ep 57 | Being a Good Digital Citizen: Screen Time, Reality & the Internet [RELOADED] 31:14

11M ago31:14

31:14

Are your kids getting too much screen time? Principal Lalla Pierce & Technology Coordinator, Kevin McNally from Global Learning Academy, share how students at Escambia County Public Schools in partnership with Common Sense Media are learning how to vet information, be a good digital citizen and when to walk away from technology. Guests: https://gla…

1
Ep 56 | Free College in 15 Minutes? [RELOADED] 28:38

11M ago28:38

28:38

Post high school education can be expensive and out of reach for many families. Holly Busse explains how the Bright Futures Scholarship is helping unlock a path to college or vocational education, up to five years after graduation & takes just 15 minutes to apply for. Guest: Holly Busse Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.…

1
Ep 55 | How Do We Cultivate Leaders? [RELOADED] 20:55

11M ago20:55

20:55

Who will be the leaders of tomorrow? Debra Phillips is teaching the seven habits of highly effective people to put our students on the right path. Guest: Debra Phillips, Leader in Me Program https://www.leaderinme.org/ Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/ Host: Meredith Hackwith Edwards…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Escambia County Public Schools Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide