Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

What if drug prevention could be exciting, empowering, and led by students themselves? In this episode, Jake White, co-founder of Vive 18, shares his innovative approach to youth drug prevention and mental health awareness. From hosting unforgettable drug-free events to helping students launch their own prevention clubs, Jake has reached thousands of young people with a message of hope and empowerment. Together we explore the importance of engaging youth in substance use prevention, the role of schools in fostering healthier choices, and how his upcoming Prevention Conference & Cruise is building a nationwide movement. This conversation offers practical insights for educators, leaders, and communities committed to shaping a generation that thrives without substances. About Jake White: Jake White started his first company as a college student doing something that many people said was impossible… throwing giant parties… without any drugs or alcohol.  After just a few months he had hundreds of students

As a leader, what does instructional leadership look like in action? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Valerie Arechiga shares her journey as an aspiring leader and her powerful insights on what instructional leadership must look like in today’s classrooms. We explore her work with Thinking Nation and how its services are reshaping the way educators approach literature and social studies.  Valerie also reflects on the experiences that best prepared her for leadership, offering practical takeaways for teachers and leaders striving to create classrooms where students think critically, engage deeply, and thrive. This conversation blends vision with actionable strategies, making it a must-listen for educators passionate about cultivating both knowledge and leadership in their learning communities. About Valerie Arechiga: Valerie Arechiga is an educator, consultant, speaker, and soon-to-be Ed.D. graduate committed to equipping teachers, inspiring leaders, and building thriving school communities. Wi

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Todd Nesloney shares insights from his new online course, Culture Unleashed: Your Guide to Creating a School Kids Deserve. Together, we explore how school culture isn’t accidental—it’s intentionally built through vision, relationships, and purposeful action. Todd unpacks strategies for creating classrooms and campuses where joy, connection, and growth thrive. Whether you’re a teacher seeking to reenergize your classroom or a leader aiming to transform your campus, this conversation provides the tools and encouragement to unleash the culture your students truly deserve. About Todd Nesloney: Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He was previously a Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring Kids Deserve It! and Sparks in the Dark. He has also written the book Stories from Webb and published a children

In this forward-looking episode of Aspire to Lead, Brad Waid, international speaker and author of the upcoming book Racing the Future, joins me to explore how technology is reshaping classrooms and careers. From sparking discovery in students to preparing them for jobs that don’t yet exist, Brad shares powerful insights on the role of emerging technology in shaping the future workforce. We also dive into how schools can leverage innovation to create learning environments that are engaging, relevant, and future-ready. About Brad Waid: Brad is an Award-winning Emerging Technology Leader, International Keynote Speaker, Futurist, Educator, Visionary, and Author specializing in AR/VR/XR, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0.  He is tabbed as one of the top 20 Global Futurist & Keynote Speakers by TAFFD (Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussions), recognized as the #14 influencer world-wide in Augmented Reality by Onalytica as well as being recognized as one of the “20 to Watch” by th

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan, co-authors of The Emerging Teacher Leader: 6 Dynamic Practices to Nurture Professional Growth. Together, we explore the true value of teacher leadership and how it shapes not only school culture but also student learning. Kathy and Margaret share their own educational and leadership journeys, unpack what it means to lead without a title, and reveal strategies to help schools empower teachers to embrace their hidden leadership potential. We also dive into the six dynamic practices outlined in their book and discuss which one teacher leaders often find the most challenging to master. If you’ve ever wondered how teacher leadership can drive meaningful growth in schools—or how to step into leadership yourself—this episode will give you the clarity, inspiration, and actionable tools to take the next step. About Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan are committed to the ongoing gro

Superintendent and author Dr. Dan Stecken joins me to share his personal journey through burnout and the inspiration behind his book Stressed Leaders: Stay in the Game. In this candid conversation, we discuss why leaders aren’t broken—they’re burned out—and how that critical distinction can reshape how we approach leadership, recovery, and sustainability. Dr. Stecken reveals the moment he realized his leadership approach was unsustainable, the mindset shifts and boundaries that help leaders protect their well-being, and the daily habits that fuel long-term success without sacrificing purpose. We also explore the Stressed Leaders movement and the supportive community he’s building for leaders who want to thrive instead of simply endure. If you’re feeling the weight of leadership, this episode offers practical strategies, renewed perspective, and the encouragement you need to stay in the game. About Dan Stecken: Dan Stecken is the District Superintendent of Seneca Township High School in North Central Illinois

In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and Aspire to Lead, Darrin Peppard and Joshua Stamper team up once again for their annual back-to-school leadership conversation. As educators and leaders gear up for a new year, Darrin and Joshua dive deep into: What clarity looks like at the start of the school year How new leaders can define success before the chaos begins Building relationships and trust before pushing new initiatives The power of clearly modeling expectations Making feedback, coaching, and support part of your leadership culture Practical ways to sustain clarity, energy, and intentionality all year long Whether you're just stepping into leadership or returning for your 20th year, this episode offers real-world strategies to help you start strong and stay focused on what matters most.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the VIBE Edu Podcast! In the very first episode of the VIBE Edu Podcast, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, Mitch Weathers, and myself, Joshua Stamper, sit down for a raw, honest roundtable discussion about a topic every educator has strong feelings about—professional development.From the worst PD sessions they’ve ever endured to the real reasons educators are tuning out, this episode gets to the heart of why so much professional learning misses the mark. But it’s not just critique—it's a conversation grounded in action. The team shares practical strategies to make PD actually useful, meaningful, and immediately applicable on Monday morning.If you’ve ever walked out of a session thinking, “Well, that was a waste of time,” this episode is your call to reimagine what PD can and should be. Because when done right, it’s not just development—it’s transformation. — Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I

In this powerful new installment of our monthly series, Mitch Weathers, creator of Organized Binder and author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom, returns to the mic for an energizing conversation that’s all about optimizing the way students think, learn, and succeed. We kick things off with an exciting announcement about our new project, The VIBE Edu Podcast, before diving into practical strategies for enhancing retrieval practices, managing cognitive load, and boosting working memory. Mitch also shares insights on meaningful student feedback and how intentional evaluation can drive deeper understanding. If you're ready to transform classroom routines into high-impact learning experiences, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in and walk away with tools to help students not just survive, but thrive.   About Mitch Weathers: Mitch Weathers became an exceptional educator because he once struggled as a student. Throughout his academic journey, Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. It

What if the answer to burnout wasn’t escape, but empowerment? In this transformative episode, Dr. Casey Jakubowski—educator, consultant, and founder of OK to Outstanding—joins me to unpack the real challenges and untapped potential within the profession. Together, we explore what it truly means to lead in education, even without a formal title, and how teachers can overcome imposter syndrome to embrace their inner leadership. From innovative mentoring models to creative recruitment and retention strategies, Casey shares insights that reignite purpose and inspire growth. Whether you're feeling stuck or seeking to empower those around you, this episode will challenge your thinking and elevate your leadership journey. If you're ready to go from “OK” to “outstanding,” this one’s for you. About Casey Jakubowski: Dr. Casey T. Jakubowski is a dynamic leadership consultant, speaker, and educator with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations grow from “okay” to outstanding. Known for his

What if the leadership phrases we rely on—like “clear is kind”—are actually holding us back? In this thought-provoking episode, Casey Watts, educational consultant and creator of the Clarity Cycle Framework, challenges conventional leadership wisdom and invites us to rethink how we lead, grow, and collaborate. We explore how faux collaboration is silently stalling school progress, how to recognize real growth beyond promotions, and the importance of embracing both vertical and lateral leadership opportunities. Casey shares powerful insights into how school leaders can move from surface-level clarity to deep, impactful communication—and how to build cultures where professional growth and authentic teamwork truly thrive. Tune in for a refreshingly honest look at what it means to lead with intention, clarity, and courage in today's schools.   About Casey Watts Casey Watts is a Team Leadership Expert and the founder of Casey Watts Coaching & Consulting, LLC. With over 20 years of experience as a classr

In this short solo episode of Aspire to Lead, I share a lesson from the art room that turned into a leadership metaphor I never forgot. Every year, students tried to "hack" an art project using the width of a ruler instead of following directions—and every time, it led to more work and frustration. As leaders, we do this too. Whether it’s a hasty email or skipping essential context, shortcuts often backfire. Tune in for this quick leadership reflection and stay to hear an exciting announcement about the brand-new VIBE Edu Podcast, launching soon with an all-star lineup: Kim Gameroz, Mitch Weathers, TJ Vari, and me, Joshua Stamper. Don’t miss this sneak peek into what’s next! Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper: Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast — Tired of the same old PD that leaves you inspired but still stuck? What if o

What if the key to classroom behavior isn’t discipline—but cognitive clarity? In this mind-shifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and creator of Organized Binder, joins us to unpack the real impact of cognitive overload and working memory on student behavior. We explore how executive functioning isn’t just a set of skills—it’s the backbone of a thriving learning environment. Mitch breaks down practical strategies that help educators reduce chaos, boost student focus, and build routines that make better behavior the natural outcome of smarter systems. If you're ready to ditch reactionary discipline and lean into structure, mindset, and clarity—this episode is your blueprint. About Mitch Weathers: Mitch became a gifted teacher because he was a mediocre student. Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. In fact, it took him 7 years for him to graduate from college. Choosing to become a teacher, Mitch was fortunate enough to experience school

What does it mean to lead like a BISON? In this energizing episode, Kim Gameroz joins me to talk about her new book Becoming the Bison, her powerful new podcast Unleashing the Bison, and the highly anticipated VIBE Edu event on August 1st—where I’m honored to be speaking! Together, we explore how school leaders can launch Social Emotional Learning the right way, avoiding the culture-killing mistakes that make it feel like “just one more thing” for teachers. Kim shares how her team partners with schools and districts to reduce student discipline issues and improve learning outcomes. She also reveals how her B.I.S.O.N. community has become a beacon of hope and resilience for educators nationwide. This conversation is all about practical strategies, bold leadership, and the kind of community that makes transformation possible. Tune in and get ready to charge forward with courage, purpose, and a herd by your side! About Kim Gameroz Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent and founder of Teaching Inside Out, revo

In this milestone episode of Aspire to Lead, we’re celebrating eight years of the podcast alongside the incredible CJ Reynolds, educator, speaker, and creator of Real Rap with Reynolds. As both of our platforms mark eight impactful years of serving educators, we reflect on the journey, share lessons learned, and look ahead to what’s next—including CJ’s exciting new TV show, The Rules of Engagement. Together, we explore how educators can finish the year strong and prepare for the next one with clarity and renewed energy. From meaningful end-of-year strategies to daily practices that support your physical and mental health, CJ offers powerful insight on creating sustainable systems rooted in your values. If you’re feeling the weight of burnout or searching for ways to reconnect with your purpose, this energizing conversation will inspire and empower you to thrive in and beyond the classroom. About CJ Reynolds:  Mr. Reynolds is an author, YouTuber, & public speaker. In his book, Teach Your Class Off, on his

In this end of the school year Aspire Mailbag episode, I’m joined by Jeff Gargas, COO of the Teach Better Team, as we answer listener-submitted questions on two key areas of school leadership—celebrating staff and building systems for future success. From end-of-year recognition ideas to practical strategies for hitting campus goals in the upcoming year, we explore what it takes to lead with consistency, intentionality, and heart. Tune in to discover the leadership mindsets and actionable habits that help school leaders connect with their teams, create meaningful celebrations, and lay the foundation for growth all year long! Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffgargas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/   Virtual Leadership Summit: Real Strategies for School Leaders Event: Virtual Leadership Summit: Real Strategies for School Leaders Event Date/Time: Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday, June 10-12, 2025. 11:00am - 3:00pm ET each day. Registration for free: https://teachbet

What if the key to transforming your school culture is as simple as celebration and storytelling? In this energetic episode of Aspire to Lead, Josh Tovar, veteran principal and host of the Para #Ganas Podcast, joins me to share how his relentless positivity, powerful use of social media, and commitment to daily recognition have redefined leadership on his campus. We dive into practical ways administrators can build a culture of belonging, why telling your school’s story matters, and how leaders can maintain joy and longevity in a demanding profession. Whether you’re feeling the weight of burnout or looking to bring fresh energy to your school community, Josh brings the passion and purpose to reignite your why. About Josh Tovar: Josh Tovar, a proud son of Virginia and Jesus Tovar, was born in Cd. Juarez, Mexico, and immigrated with his family to El Paso, Texas in the late 70s. After challenging years in high school, he joined the US Marine Corps as an 0811 artilleryman. His military service allowed him to s

What happens when educators put classroom culture at the center of everything they do? In this engaging episode, I sit down with authors Katie Kinder and Darrin Peppard to explore their bold new book, Culture First Classroom. We unpack the mindset shifts teachers and leaders must make to prioritize culture over compliance, why laughter and relationships are essential to learning, and how the fusion of creativity and strategy can transform any classroom. Katie and Darrin share real-world examples, powerful takeaways, and small, actionable steps to help educators start building a thriving learning environment—one rooted in joy, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, building leader, or passionate about improving school climate, this episode will equip you with the tools to lead with culture and create classrooms that inspire. About Darrin Peppard Darrin Peppard is a keynote speaker, author, publisher and consultant focused on what matters most in leadership. Darrin is an expert in school c

In this forward-thinking episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Matthew Rhoads, author of Co-Teaching Evolved and Crush it from the Start, joins me to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping instructional coaching, co-teaching, and school leadership. Dr. Rhoads shares powerful insights on building equitable and inclusive classrooms while embracing tech-powered strategies that truly support educators and students alike. Together, we break down the essential components of successful co-teaching partnerships, dive into AI-supported planning and leadership practices, and discuss how to cultivate collaborative cultures where every voice matters. Whether you're a coach, a classroom teacher, or a school leader, this episode will spark new ideas for transforming teaching and learning in the modern era. About Dr. Matthew Rhoads: Matthew Rhoads, Ed.D. is an expert and innovator in educational technology and instructional strategy integration within online, blended, and traditional in-person classroom settings. As a

In this heart-centered episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by globally recognized speaker, educator, and author Angela Maiers to explore the movement that changed everything—#YouMatter. Angela shares the powerful story behind the origin of this global initiative and how a simple affirmation can shift mindsets, unlock potential, and ignite lasting change in students, educators, and communities. We unpack how leaders can go beyond surface-level praise to cultivate environments where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered. Angela also reveals how her workshops help people rediscover their purpose and reignite their passion for contribution, and we dive into her latest project—M is for Mattering, a science-based picture book designed to embed the language of significance in learners from the start. This episode is less of a conversation and more of a call to remember what we too often forget: that real leadership begins with seeing, hearing, and believing in the people right in front of us. Tune in, take