Welcome to “The Sneaker Principal Podcast,” where education and leadership lace up for a journey towards transformative change. Hosted by Uchechukwu Lawrence Njoku, a seasoned school leader with over a decade and a half of experience, this podcast unfolds the numerous layers of school leadership, particularly in underprivileged urban communities. Engage in candid conversations addressing the highs, the lows, and the resilient strides in between, as Uchechukwu navigates through the captivatin ...
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Seize the Moment Podcast, hosted by Leon Garber and Alen Ulman, is a project centered around making the most important and useful ideas in psychology, philosophy, and personal development mainstream. We feature guests from all walks of life whether they be artists, musicians, comedians, entrepreneurs, philosophers, psychologists and many more. There is a saying, “the most essential knowledge is not yet made widely accessible.” We want to make that information accessible and change as many li ...
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Jason Stanley - How Fascists Rewrite History to Control the Future | STM Podcast #220
1:04:52
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On episode 220, we welcome Jason Stanley to discuss the rising tide of fascism among Republicans, the pivotal role education plays in cultivating it, the divided US and how winning came to override all other values, the authoritarian war on intellectualism, fascist historical revisionism and why the history written by fascists is based on fear and …
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Alice Driver - On Worker Exploitation: The Hidden Costs of Your Chicken Nuggets | STM Podcast #219
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On episode 219, we welcome Alice Driver to discuss the widespread labor violations of the meatpacking industry, Tyson’s treatment of its workforce, how the company is able to employ undocumented immigrants, the Arkansas law that allows child labor, how prison labor is used to keep company costs low, the political power of the industry and how gover…
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Constantine Sandis - Debunking Trans Myths: Detransition, Sports, and Epistemic Injustice | Seize The Moment Podcast #218
1:21:22
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On episode 218, we welcome Constantine Sandis to discuss the manifestations of transphobia, why feeling you’re in the wrong body isn’t delusional, the errors of segregation, ways of addressing the placements of trans people in sports, how biology and culture may interact to form trans identities, the rates and common causes of detransitioning, the …
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Bill Sullivan - The Hidden Forces That Drive Us: The Interplay Between Genes and Environment | #217
1:25:15
1:25:15
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On episode 217, we welcome Bill Sullivan to discuss the burgeoning field of epigenetics, why genes are better thought of as dimmers rather than light switches, the antipsychiatry argument against mental illness and why all mental illnesses are organic, what we discovered about the microbiome, the Libet experiments and whether they cast doubt on fre…
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Mark D. White - The Ethics of Captain America: Justice, Integrity, and Sacrifice | STM Podcast #216
1:13:56
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On episode 216, we welcome Mark White to discuss the philosophy of Captain America, how his moral perfectionism informed his decisions and affected him afterward, the clash of morals in his rivalry with Iron Man, why being hard on himself benefited his community, the similarities and differences of deontology and utilitarianism, if we can consider …
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Roberto Olivardia - Beyond the Diagnosis: Experiencing and Managing ADHD | STM Podcast #215
1:01:46
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On episode 215, we welcome Roberto Olivardia to discuss Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, its comorbidity with other mental health struggles and learning disorders, ways Roberto learned to manage his own ADHD, how it affects relationships and how to address it in them, why teachers in the past were unable to cope with it in their students, …
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Tom Chivers - From Science to Daily Life: The Impact of Bayesian Thinking | STM Podcast #214
1:08:21
1:08:21
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On episode 214, we welcome Tom Chivers to discuss Bayesian statistics, how their counterintuitive nature tends to turn people off, the philosophical disagreements between the Bayesians and the frequentists, why “priors” aren’t purely subjective and why all theories should be considered as priors, the difficulty of quantifying emotional states in ps…
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Ed Simon - Faust in the 21st Century: Have We Made a Deal with the Devil? | STM Podcast #213
1:04:45
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On episode 213, we welcome Edward Simon to discuss the mythological history of the tale of Faust and Mephistopheles, god and the devil in theology, whether both figures can represent internal struggles between right and wrong, why so many identify with Faust’s decisions, whether the story implies that willful ignorance is just as evil as maliciousn…
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Mark L. Ruffalo - The Myth of the Medical Model of Mental Illness | STM Podcast #212
1:11:36
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On episode 212, we welcome Mark L. Ruffalo to discuss the misunderstanding of the so-called “medical model” of psychiatry, why there’s a gap between mainstream medicine and trauma-informed care, the ways in which biology and environment interact to produce mental illness, the difference between responsibility and blame, Judith Herman and the histor…
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Mark Tuitert - From Olympic Champion to Stoic Philosopher: The Stoic Mindset | STM Podcast #211
1:05:57
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On episode 211, we welcome Mark Tuitert to discuss stoic philosophy, Mark winning the Olympic gold medal in speed skating in 2010, our cultural obsession with winning, why success doesn’t lead to long-term happiness, the stoic focus on character in cultivating a good life, Mark’s relationship with his dad and how suspending judgment improved it, if…
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Sabrina B. Little - Running Toward Virtue: Guide to Ethical Athletics | STM Podcast #210
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On episode 210, we welcome Sabrina Little to discuss the virtues of ultramarathon running, the importance of desire in being good, the deification of American sports, if excellence in performance and good character are mutually exclusive, using envy to better oneself, the mindsets of Tom Brady and Michael Jordan, Sabrina’s athletic achievements, if…
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Robin Reames - From Aristotle to Twitter: The Timeless Tactics of Rhetoric | STM Podcast #209
1:11:34
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On episode 209, we welcome Robin Reames to discuss how the art of rhetoric is used to spread misinformation, how the concept of truth evolved from Ancient Greece to us, confronting fact-resistant individuals, the spectrum of misinformation and how some use science to mask it, cultivating negative emotions while offering harmful solutions to them, D…
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Louis King - Aim4theheart: How 2Pac & Emotional Literacy Inspire My Mission | STM Podcast #208
1:15:33
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On episode 208, we welcome Louis King to discuss Aim4theheart, working with Leila Steinberg, how 2Pac inspired Louis and Leon, emotional literacy and learning how to access and understand feelings, meeting Edi Mean of the Outlawz, Louis’ musical roots, how the music industry shortchanges its artists, selling music as crypto and empowering them, and…
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Constantine Sandis - From Thought to Action to Ethics | STM Podcast #207
1:28:00
1:28:00
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On episode 207, we welcome Constantine Sandis to discuss free will and determinism, the Libet experiments and criticisms of them, weakness of will and whether belief in it stems from a lack of understanding decisions, the difficulty in separating external and internal reasons for acting, self-deception and whether we can overcome it, if self-knowle…
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Mark D. White - Dissecting Antitrust: Balancing Rights and Welfare | STM Podcast #206
1:23:28
1:23:28
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On episode 206, we welcome Mark White to discuss the drawbacks of antitrust laws, what rights consumers actually have, if trusts are unfair and unjust, the utilitarian argument against those laws, the flawed healthcare insurance system in the US and how its consumers struggle, whether it’s feasible to constantly have new entrepreneurs challenging t…
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Jack Symes - Does God Exist? Debating Religion, Evil, and Atheism | STM Podcast #205
1:15:44
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On episode 205, we welcome Jack Symes to discuss the possible existence of god, the strongest arguments for it, whether Pascal’s Wager justifies belief in god, the different religions and whether they make belief in god irrational, god necessarily existing and being all good, how evil can stem good, whether evil even exists, the simple god hypothes…
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Aaron James - The Variety of Assholes | STM Podcast #204
1:10:17
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On episode 204, we welcome Aaron James to discuss assholes, who they are and how they think, the difference between a regular asshole and someone with narcissistic personality disorder, whether all politicians are narcissistic and if regular people ever seek power, if assholes understand and care about the rules, how narcissists use the cover of au…
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EDI Mean - Street Fame: The Ecstasies and Perils of Hip Hop | STM Podcast #203
1:00:33
1:00:33
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On episode 203, we welcome EDI Mean to discuss his book ‘Street Fame’, how it mirrors and differs from the music industry, EDI’s love of hip-hop and his warnings to up and coming rappers, what made 2Pac special, whether conscious rappers can thrive in the current market, how EDI’s understanding of mental health and trauma evolved, meeting the rest …
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Michael Amster - The Power of Awe: How Simple Moments Can Transform Your Life | STM Podcast #202
1:05:32
1:05:32
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On episode 202, we welcome Michael Amster to discuss the A.W.E. method, how changing your perspective and seeing miracles in the everyday alleviates suffering, how feeling awe interacts with chronic pain, the vagus nerve and the physiological affects of awe states, personality changes that can occur with psychedelics and meditation practices, what …
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J. Aaron Simmons - Philosophy in the Wild: On 'Camping with Kierkegaard' | STM #201
1:11:42
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On episode 201, we welcome J. Aaron Simmons to discuss why we’re so unhappy, the limitations of pursuing external success, faith as risk with direction, Kierkegaard and the aesthetic life, status obsession as a form of avoidance, why cultivating good relationships may be more challenging than becoming rich, the archetypal seducer, becoming trapped …
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Tom Morris & Gregory Bassham - The Metaphysical and Practical Philosophies of Stoicism | STM #200
1:10:25
1:10:25
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On episode 200, we welcome Tom Morris and Gregory Bassham to discuss stoic philosophy, radical acceptance and its relationship with the divine, what the stoics believed about god and the afterlife, the four cardinal virtues and why one needs to cultivate all of them, whether the stoics actually sought to eliminate negative emotions, how they addres…
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Jeff Fuhrer - Fixing Our Broken Economy: Insights from 'The Myth That Made Us' | STM Podcast #199
1:05:58
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On episode 199, we welcome Jeffrey Fuhrer to discuss the fallacy of trickle down economics and the self-made myth, what companies actually do with tax breaks, the distinct perspectives of the flaws of human nature in communism and capitalism, the wealth gap and racial income disparities, what happens when governments intervene with subsidies for po…
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Mark D. White - Unmasking Daredevil: A Deep Dive into Philosophy and Comics | STM Podcast #198
1:12:08
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On episode 198, we welcome Mark White to discuss the philosophy of Daredevil, applying utilitarianism and deontology to his vigilantism, his apparent OCD-like tendencies and inability to make firm decisions, Kant’s understanding that ethical decisions are ultimately our own, why Daredevil didn’t often include others while making choices, his appare…
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Roberto Olivardia - The Hidden Battle: The Adonis Complex and Male Body Image Challenges | STM Podcast #197
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On episode 197, we welcome Roberto Olivardia to discuss the Adonis Complex and muscle dysmorphia, how men become obsessed with becoming more muscular, whether the obsession is about attracting a potential mate or something else, Leon’s personal history of muscle dysmorphia and Alen’s past preoccupations with his body image, the importance of focusi…
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Why Algebra 1 is an Educational Gatekeeper
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Welcome to this episode of the Sneaker Principal podcast, where we explore the significance of Algebra 1 in our education system. As an experienced school leader, I'll share why Algebra 1 is crucial and challenge educators to prevent it from becoming a barrier for students. We'll also discuss the role of principals in promoting math education and i…
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Embracing the Unknown: A Journey through School Leadership
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What if true leadership in education isn't about having all the answers, but about embracing the unknown? In this enlightening episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast, I take you on a journey through the intricate and often unpredictable world of school leadership. Here, we'll dive into the challenges and the unexpected beauty found in embracing u…
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Richard Deming - Loners, Outcasts, & Creativity | This Exquisite Loneliness | STM Podcast #196
1:06:17
1:06:17
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On episode 196, we welcome Richard Deming to discuss chronic loneliness, being lonely around people, Richard’s past tendency to avoid it with excessive alcohol use, loneliness as an existential fact of life as opposed to an illness to be remedied, how it fosters creativity, how writing bridges the gap between people, the different layers of intimac…
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Eric G. Wilson - Deconstructing Trauma and Revenge in Point Blank | STM Podcast #195
1:02:10
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On episode 195, we welcome Eric G. Wilson to discuss the cult classic ‘Point Blank’, toxic masculinity and its deleterious mental health effects, what made the protagonist so appealing, Lee Marvin’s real-life war trauma, the obsession with revenge and if it ever resolves pain, the unpredictability of the universe and our never-ending quest for cont…
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Framing the Future: The Canon R and Its Lenses Transforming School Narrative
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In this enlightening episode of The Sneaker Principal podcast, join host Uche Njoku as he explores the vital role of photography in school leadership. Discover how the Canon R, coupled with its RF 15-35mm and 24-70mm lenses, is revolutionizing the way school leaders capture and share pivotal moments, shaping the identity and community perception of…
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Creative Outlets: The Unseen Necessity for School Leaders
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What if creativity was your secret weapon to overcoming the burdens of school leadership? Join us, as we draw upon my two decades of experience to reveal how thinking outside the box can not only help you tackle the challenges of managing a school, but also bring balance to your personal life. We are about to embark on a fascinating exploration of …
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You Are Not Meant To Be A Principal | Unmasking Imposter Syndrome
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Feeling like an imposter in your own shoes? You're not alone. Through the lens of my personal journey, we peel back the layers of the seldom-discussed yet common phenomenon of imposter syndrome among school leaders. As a school principal, I’ve experienced it firsthand, and it's time we openly address this. This episode dispels the myth that a schoo…
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Tom Morris - The 7 Cs of Success and Early Days of Public Philosophy | STM Podcast #194
1:08:49
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On episode 194, we welcome Tom Morris to discuss his 7 C’s of Success, developing confidence in the face of difficulties, the importance of consistency and finding meaning outside of the hoped for results, Alen and Leon’s podcast journey and the hyper-competitiveness of podcasting, the importance of mentorship amid struggles, Tom’s initial foray in…
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Have you ever considered the life-changing potential of fasting? Join me on a journey where we delve into water fasting and its impressive ability to combat cancer. My recent two-day water fast, which ended just before Thanksgiving Eve, brought an unexpected sense of community within my school. It's a testament to how personal health choices can re…
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Water Fasting Journey: Reclaiming Health Amidst Demanding Careers
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Have you ever struggled with managing my health while trying to excel in a demanding career? Absolutely. In this episode, I'll take you through my personal journey, sharing the highs and lows of my water fasting experience and the remarkable impact it had on my energy levels. I'll also emphasize the importance of self-care and health optimization, …
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Al Snow - Breaking Down the Ring: Wrestling's Realities and Myths | #193
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On episode 193, we welcome Al Snow to discuss the Netflix documentary series ‘Wrestlers’, what makes Ohio Valley Wrestling special, the trajectory of Al Snow’s wrestling career, why his earlier WWF characters weren’t appealing, the creation of Al Snow and Head and how a severely mentally ill character became popular, the current trend of wrestlers …
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Eric Gosselin - The Reality of the Ring: 'Wrestlers' & the Heart of Professional Wrestling | STM Podcast #192
1:02:41
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On episode 192, we welcome Eric Gosselin to discuss the Netflix show ‘Wrestlers’, the history of Ohio Valley Wrestling, the documentary series as a human interest story and microcosm of capitalism, succeeding in wrestling and why being great is often not enough, Al Snow’s journey in the WWE and pivoting after being released, the documentary exhibit…
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Dannagal G. Young - Info Wars: The Battle Against Misinformation | STM Podcast #191
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On episode 191, we welcome Dannagal Young to discuss our susceptibility to misinformation, how she fell for and later abandoned conspiracy theories, the hidden incentives behind the media’s extreme partisanship, Covid as an indicator that most people form their beliefs based on their tribes, the clout chasing behind the extreme stances in the Israe…
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Your Health First: Juggling Duties and Wellness
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life’s relentless demands, feeling as though everything is spiraling out of control? I know this feeling all too well, and it's exactly what we're unpacking in today's episode. My personal wake-up call came in 2015, following a car accident that forced me to confront the state of my health head-on. I realized then …
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Addressing Chronic Absenteeism: Strategies for Student Engagement and Improved Attendance in Schools
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Are we ready to take on the issue that's pulling students out of the classrooms and hindering their academic growth? Because it's high time we expose the silent epidemic of chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, that's causing a ripple effect in our education system. This is not just a conversation about students sk…
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The Power of Decentralizing Your School Leadership
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Who says that the key to successful school leadership lies solely in the hands of the principal? This episode is about to challenge that notion. We're turning the spotlight on the power of decentralizing leadership in schools and the remarkable difference it can make. Over-centralization can lead to slow decision-making processes, burnout, and exha…
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The Role of Fear in Achieving School Excellence
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Have you ever considered fear to be a secret weapon in school leadership? As we peel back the layers of this rarely discussed topic, we uncover how fear, often viewed as a crippling force, can be harnessed and transformed into a powerful asset in achieving school excellence. I walk you through my unique journey of leading a struggling school to suc…
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Transforming a Struggling School: A Principal's Journey
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Have you ever wondered what it's like to step into a struggling school and turn it around? Drawing on my five-month tenure as the interim acting principal at PSIS 224 in New York City, I share the intricate details of my journey, taking a deep, hard look at the school's narrative and finding ways to effect change. From our bold decision to rebrand …
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Navigating School Bullying: A Call to Educators for Open Communication and Action
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Strap yourself in as we embark on an intense journey of personal discovery and intense disappointment, underscored by the harsh reality of school bullying. My own daughter was the victim, a revelation that shook me to my very core. Her story served as a stark reminder about the imperative role we educators play in protecting our students from the p…
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Embarking on a New School Year: A Parent and Educator's Perspective
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Welcome to a journey of unprecedented emotions as we embark on a fresh school year. This one holds a special place in my heart, as it is my daughter's first step into the educational sphere. With 19 years of experience as an educator, I'm no stranger to yearly beginnings. This time, however, the added dimension of parenthood bestows a whole new per…
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Impactful Lessons with Malcolm Harvin Connor
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Today, we're pulling back the curtain on education with Malcolm Harvin Connor, a principal with a vision. How can we prepare our children for the future? Malcolm believes the keys are reading, writing, and critical thinking, and he's not afraid to set high expectations. Whether you're in the classroom or on the school bus, Malcolm insists that ever…
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The Power of Trust in Leadership Team Building
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Imagine your leadership team - a cohesive unit, bound by trust and shared commitment, capable of creating a successful future together. That's what we're exploring today with Uche Anjoku, a seasoned educator who will share how trust can be the water that binds your team together, and the role it plays in overcoming obstacles. We will learn from a c…
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Riding the Wave of Excitement with Coach Prime: Inspiration, Leadership, and the 'Prime Time' Effect
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Can you feel the buzz of excitement that's sweeping across college football? It's all thanks to Dion Sanders, who's taken the reins as head coach at Jackson State. We kick off this episode with a toast to my baby sister's birthday and a thrilling dive into Sanders' electrifying first two historic matches. Expect an adrenaline rush as we explore the…
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Overcoming Self-Doubt and Leading in Education Despite Adversity
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Ever wondered how the iron will of an educator bends and molds in the face of adversity, or how self-doubt creeps into the minds of even the greatest leaders? We promise to take you on an enlightening journey through the complexities of leadership in the education sector. We kick things off by decoding the term 'humble' and its implications in our …
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Seizing the Day with Energizing Routines and Empowering Youth
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Get ready to redefine your approach to physical health and discover the power of consistent action and movement. Join me as I share the morning routine that leaves me feeling energized and ready for the day, along with a heartening encounter that underscores the importance of dedication. Learn how we can take inspiration from the philosophy that ou…
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Challenging Educational Legacies: A Journey in Fostering Growth and Change
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What does it mean to respect educational legacies? How do we embrace change while honoring the past? Join me as I share my encounters with a young, passionate educator who was part of an educational legacy. I share a slice of my experience as a parent and an educator, shedding light on the complexities of this unique profession. From grappling with…
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