Massp Podcast

In this episode, Josh Wrinkle, Principal of Rochester High School, unpacks Covey’s First Wave: Self Trust and the critical role credibility plays in leadership. Drawing from his journey as a teacher, assistant principal, and now principal, Josh reflects on how integrity, consistency, and follow-through earn the trust of staff, parents, and students. He discusses the humbling process of self-assessment, the challenge of balancing personal commitments with professional demands, and how leaders can restore credibility when they misstep. Josh’s perspective highlights Covey’s message that self-trust is the foundation for every other level of trust—and that a leader’s character and competence set the pace for an entire school community.

In this episode, Christian Manley, Principal of the Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center, helps us dive into Covey’s reminder that “you can do something about this.” Trust isn’t out of our control—it begins with self-trust rooted in both character and competence. Christian shares her journey as a teacher and leader, offering powerful examples of stewardship, empowerment, and creating a culture where teachers feel trusted to lead learning. She reflects on how high-trust leadership reduces costs, speeds up progress, and frees principals from micromanaging while building ownership among staff. Her stories bring Covey’s principle to life, showing that trust is not just a value but a skill leaders can model and grow in themselves and others.

In our kickoff episode, Dave Myron, Principal of Perry Jr/Sr High School, helps us unpack Covey’s idea of trust as “the one thing that changes everything.” With more than two decades in education, Dave reflects on how credibility, consistency, and follow-through shape the culture of a school and accelerate progress. He shares candid insights from leading through innovation—like piloting Khan Academy programs—and explains why trust is essential for bringing teachers, parents, and students on board. From addressing the broader “crisis of trust” in society to fostering relationships at the classroom and community level, Dave illustrates how high-trust leadership makes change possible and speeds up results.

In this episode, we sit down with Larry Wyn from CS for Michigan to break down the key requirements of House Bill 5649, discuss staffing and training solutions, explore budget-friendly curriculum options, and highlight best practices. If you’re an administrator looking for practical steps to ensure compliance and create meaningful computer science opportunities for students, this conversation is a must-listen!

Mark Uyl, Executive Director of the Michigan High School Athletic Association, joins once again to discuss how the winter sports season has been shaping up, what’s ahead for spring sports, and the process of sanctioning boys volleyball and girls field hockey as official MHSAA sports.  We also talk about the growing trend of multi-sport athletes and what the future holds for high school athletics in Michigan. 

This episode of The MASSP Podcast features a conversation with Aaron Baughman, formerly of Northville Schools and now with Michigan Virtual, on the impact of AI in education. The discussion covers Northville’s success in AI integration, common challenges schools face, and standout districts leading the way. Aaron also shares key mistakes to avoid, best practices for getting started, and insights on the future of AI in Michigan schools.

In this episode of The MASSP Podcast, 2024 Michigan Principal of the Year Jon Wilcox from Petoskey Middle School shares insights from his experience at the National NASSP Conference. He discusses connecting with other state award winners, key challenges and successes in education nationwide, and important conversations with legislative representatives.

In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns again to discuss athletic season updates, the MHSAA 100-year celebration, participation rate increases and more.  

In this episode, MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, joins the podcast once again to discuss the upcoming spring season. We discuss working with senior spring athletes, multi-sport athlete data, the Rep Council and their new AD Mentoring/Coaching program.

In this episode, East Grand Rapids MS Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member Jeff Dykehouse, joins the podcast to discuss his building's flexible schedule that they are running this school year.  The schedule allows for additional time each day to focus on SEL lessons and support time that is teacher- and student-driven.  Listen and learn what tools they are using and the feedback he's received from students, staff and parents.

In this episode, we focus on ways to build culture and rapport with staff and students.  Todd Simmons, Cedar Springs HS Principal and 2023-24 MASSP President, joins us to discuss the Secret Super Staff Spirit Week and Every Student Known initiatives aimed at creating an environment of trust and relationships in his building.  Listen in to learn how it's done and what it's meant for the school community. 

MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, returns to the podcast to give a winter season update. Topics covered include a few changes to the basketball season, as well as some interesting announcements from MHSAA regarding student participation numbers, tournament attendance records, legislative bills impacting retirees and more.

In this episode, Bay City Central Asst. Principal & MASSP Board of Directors Member, Ben Berger, joins the show to talk about their TIE Program which features a special class block for a large group of freshmen to receive US History, English 9 & Biology curriculum all at once with a group of teachers.  Ben shares the history of the program, what's changed in Year 2, and some unexpected positive outcomes beyond just student achievement.

In this episde, we are joined by Bill Jones (Principal at Hillsdale MS), Aaron Romoslawski (Asst. Principal at Forest Hills Northern) and Tom Lietz (Associate Director at MASSP) as we talk about the role of Artificial Intelligence in education.  All three are passionate learners of AI and have seen the benefits of how this magnificent tool can impact the lives of administrators, teachers and students.  Listeners should hear some interesting ways that AI can positively impact teaching and learning in their schools. 

In this episode, former Principal of the Year and current leader at North Farmington High School, Mr. Joe Greene, shares with us a beginning of the year tradition for his seniors centered around their Student ID cards.  If you have ever seen the photos on social media or via a news article, you will notice students dressing up like your favorite musicians, movie starts, characters and more.  It’s a lot of fun and Joe explains how the process works and how the senior class takes ownership to ensure the tradition runs smooth while holding each other accountable for their choices.

MHSAA Executive Director, Mark Uyl, joins the podcast to share updates and changes coming to fall sports this school year.  We discuss new rules, finals locations & qualifiers, team travel tweaks and more as Mark shares the rationale behind these new changes.  

In this podcast, Nina interviews new board member, Mr. Marty Bulger, Region 11 rep and principal of East English Village Prep Academy in Detroit Public Schools Community School District. Marty talks about how he has returned full circle to the district and community that not only educated but nurtured him into the person he is today.

In this podcast, Nina interviews new board member, Ms. Tiela Schurman, Region 4 rep and principal of Midland High School. Tiela talks about her "why" and what drives her passion for education.

In this episode, we are joined by the Assistant Principal team from Granville High School that includes Ashley Buchholz, Matt Cook & Michael Kennedy, as they share their journey using a MTSS program to work with students on both academic and behavior improvements.  They share who is on the team, what the components look like and lessons learned over the last decade.  This is a great episode for anyone wanting to implement or improve their MTSS systems this year so let’s give it a listen.

In this episode, former MASSP President & Principal of the Year, Jim French (ret.), joins the podcast to share his passion and experience on RTI programs to help support academic achievement for students.  Learn the approach used at Portage North HS and the positive impact a successful RTI program had on their school.