Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

Why do some students sit and do “nothing” when we give them plenty of time to work, and why does “just get to work” rarely change anything? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with executive function coach Carrie Bonnett about task initiation as a teachable brain based skill rather than a character flaw. Drawing on her years as a middle and high school teacher and her current coaching practice with students, families, and schools, Carrie explains how to reframe “procrastination,” “laziness,” and “defiance” as executive function challenges that show up when tasks feel boring, overwhelming, or too big.​ Carrie shares practical strategies from her free Task Initiation Toolkit, including chunking work by task and by time, using timers as “dopamine tools,” and making the invisible visible with clear routines and visual cues so the environment does more of the prompting than the adult. She also offers concrete language shifts educators can use, such as moving from “You are lazy” to “Your brai

What happens when a former assistant principal chooses to return to the middle school classroom and discovers a deeper, wider form of leadership than the front office ever offered? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with David James, seventh grade social studies teacher, lead mentor, and conference director for the North Carolina Association for Middle Level Education, about what it really means to lead where your feet are.​ David shares how his journey from substitute teacher to AP and back to the classroom reshaped his view of growth mindset, professional learning, and influence, and why he now sees every student in his 1,200 student building as “his kid.” He breaks down the BT support structures at Harold E. Winkler Middle School, including a non evaluative mentoring model and weekly Wolf Pack Workshop PD that is led by teachers for teachers, and explains why consistency, clear structures, and teaming are non negotiables in middle level education.​ The conversation closes with a pr

Educators are exhausted, overextended, and still trying to show up fully for kids. So what does it actually look like to build a sustainable life and career in schools instead of just surviving the year?​ In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with Kim Gameroz to celebrate the launch of her new book Becoming the BISON and explore how teachers can "be intentional so others notice" in ways that protect their wellness, elevate their impact, and spark real change on campus.​ Kim shares why she believes educators are like bison. They move bravely into the storm rather than away from it. She unpacks her core shifts: courage over comfort, clarity over compliance, and connection over control, especially in the face of student behavior, burnout, and broken systems.​ She also pulls back the curtain on her Celebrate Good Times community, the Vibe EDU podcast, and the high energy Vibe EDU live event in Anaheim, designed to surround teachers with a herd that refuses to let them do this work alone.

Aspiring leaders asked: How do you lead with emotional intelligence (EQ) instead of ego, and navigate school politics without getting burned? In this bonus Aspire Mailbag with Jeff Gargas (COO, Teach Better), Joshua Stamper dives into self-awareness, empathy, humility, and building feedback loops to ditch ego-driven decisions for people-first leadership.​They also tackle the politics game: map power dynamics, build advisory circles, watch before acting, and strategically invite influencers to witness your wins—without losing your authenticity. Perfect for teachers eyeing admin roles or current leaders refining their approach. Plus, Jeff shares updates on the Teach Better Academy relaunch.Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua StamperFollow Jeff Gargas:Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargasInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/Follow Joshua Stamper:Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/Twitter:www.twitter.com/Joshua__StamperInstagram:www.instagram.com/joshua__stamperLinkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-st

What happens when discipline shifts from punishment to teaching? In this important conversation, Joshua Stamper and Nathan Maynard unpack the ideas behind Nathan’s new book The Science of Discipline, exploring how schools can move from compliance-driven systems to accountable, trauma-informed practices that actually change behavior. Nathan shares what he has learned working with struggling schools in all 50 states, why generic consequences fail, and how to design clear, sustainable discipline frameworks that support educators while honoring each student’s uniqueness and neurodiversity. About Nathan Maynard Nathan Maynard is best known for translating complex human behavior into practical systems that educators can use under real-world pressure. He is a leading voice in the global movement to reimagine school discipline with 17 years experience working in complex learning environments. Through his writings and hands-on work across most of the US and 30+ countries, he helps educators with a question he has

How can schools ensure every student benefits from collective expertise without overwhelming teachers with endless meetings? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with Kurtis Hewson, co author of Collaborative Response and co founder of Jigsaw Learning, about a school wide model that replaces fragmented teams with purposeful, layered collaborative structures centered on data, evidence, and a clear continuum of supports.​Kurtis explains how to shift from “tiering students” to “tiering supports,” where Tier 1 defines non negotiable universal practices, Tier 2 offers classroom based options, and higher tiers coordinate beyond classroom resources without labeling kids. He breaks down the game changing collaborative team meeting format that reduces overall meetings by adding one intentional space where teachers share celebrations, generate solutions for common issues, and build capacity across the building.About Kurtis Hewson Kurtis Hewson is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, author and prof

What happens when we decide to be present, patient, and kind in the middle of one of the hardest stretches of the school year? In this week's episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper welcomes back Dr. Christopher Culver to explore the science of kindness and belonging, the impact of chronic stress on educators, and why self compassion must come before we can sustain compassion for others.​Dr. Culver shares vulnerable pieces of his own story, including seasons of deep darkness and imposter syndrome, and explains how those experiences shaped his work on kindness, his bilingual children’s book about belonging, his new book Be the Light, and his Science of Kindness podcast. Listeners will gain practical strategies to lead with presence and patience, protect their own mental health in high stress seasons, and create school cultures where every person feels seen, valued, and included.About Dr. Christopher Culver:Dr. Christopher Culver is a proud product of Oklahoma education and has served educational communities

This bonus Aspire to Lead episode brings you a featured segment from the Thriving Educators Summit, where Mitch Weathers facilitates a fast paced conversation with TJ Vari and Joshua Stamper about what it truly means to lead well in today’s schools, whether you are an aspiring leader, assistant principal, principal, or district administrator. The trio digs into mindset shifts from classroom to leadership, why every leader deserves a coach, how to build influence before you have a title, and why community based supports like the Aspire to Lead Cohort and Schoolhouse 302’s induction and coaching work are essential for combating isolation, burnout, and “trial by fire” leadership transitions.About T.J. Vari:Dr. T.J. Vari is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools and District Operations in the Appoquinimink School District. He is the co-author of Candid and Compassionate Feedback: Transforming Everyday Practice in Schools. T.J. is a former middle school assistant principal and principal and former high

What if students’ “attention problems” were really a mismatch between how the brain works and how we structure learning?In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper talks with first grade teacher, cognitive science scholar, and author Sarah Oberle about what executive functions actually are, core and higher order cognitive processes like working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility, and why they are so often misunderstood as behaviors in schools.​Sarah describes how explosive development in these skills during the K–3 years should shape our pedagogy, from how we orient attention and chunk directions to how we design routines, structure independent work, and set up the physical and acoustic environment so students can think instead of just “look busy”. Drawing from her upcoming book with Mitch Weathers, she shares concrete classroom moves—mini check ins, EF informed routines, visual and sound management, and tools like dividers and voice recorders—that any teacher can use to promote self regulati

What if the strongest leaders in your school are already in classrooms, waiting for permission to step up? In this week's episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper reconnects with longtime friend and former Teach Better teammate Brad Hughes, elementary principal in Ontario, Canada, to explore how aspiring leaders can build confidence, prepare for interviews, and maintain personal and professional balance without rushing into formal roles.​ Brad shares stories from his 30+ year journey, from classroom teaching to principalship, and reflects on the value of district aspiring leaders programs, responding to interview setbacks with humility, and investing in physical, emotional, and relational wellbeing to avoid burnout. Listeners will hear practical advice for educators ready to expand their influence, including the power of one-word intentions like “allow,” seeking candid feedback, and recognizing the leadership already happening every day in classrooms. About Brad Hughes: Brad Hughes is the host of The Good

In this special conversation on Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper, Kim Gameroz, and Mitch Weathers share everything you need to know about the Thriving Educators Summit 2026 and how it was born from a desire to help teachers move from surviving to truly thriving after years of running hard and lean in schools. Listeners will hear the story behind the free virtual summit, what makes its fast paced, highly practical sessions different from typical PD, and how districts are using past summit recordings as a no cost professional learning library all year long.​ The crew also spotlights Kim’s Becoming the Bison session on intentional teaching and leading, Joshua and TJ’s new leadership focused session, and the growing speaker lineup that blends inspiration with concrete next steps educators can act on immediately. Finally, they preview the in person VIBE Edu event at the ARTIC in Anaheim, California and explain how both gatherings are designed to give educators community, clarity, and energy heading into a new school

How do you lead staff who seem stuck in their ways, resist new ideas, and quietly shut out new colleagues? In this New Year episode of the Aspire Mailbag, Joshua Stamper and longtime co-host Jeff Gargas dig into anonymous listener questions from the Aspire Voxer community about culture, communication, and accountability.​ Josh and Jeff unpack practical strategies for having hard one-on-one conversations, rebuilding trust after past leadership missteps, and balancing empathy with firm expectations so that relationships strengthen instead of fracture over time. Along the way, they reflect on six years of Mailbag episodes, the realities of initiative fatigue, and why clear communication and shared ownership in hiring and onboarding are non-negotiables for a healthy school culture. Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper Follow Jeff Gargas: Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargasInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/ Follow Joshua Stamper: Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/Twitter:www.twitter.co

What if social-emotional learning, culture, and instruction could move in rhythm with the real seasons of a school year instead of feeling like “one more thing” on everyone’s plate? In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Walter McKenzie, Heather Lageman, and Leigh Alley introduce their book School Seasons xSELeratED and the xSELeratED Schools Framework, a month-by-month roadmap that helps educators care for the whole child and the whole educator with small, doable practices that fit into the flow of each month.​ The trio shares how their adult-first approach to SEL honors educator wellbeing, offers 5–10 minute micro-moves that feel human rather than scripted, and uses seasonal themes, from belonging and renewal to closure and celebration, to build trusting, relationship-rich school communities over time. Whether you are a teacher, coach, or school leader, this conversation will help you see SEL less as a program and more as a sustainable way of being together that strengthens both people and practice. About Wa

What if you could actually see the hidden influencers on your campus and use those connections to move culture forward instead of fighting it?​   In this energizing Aspire to Lead episode, Joshua Stamper sits down with Dr. Ben Johnson, assistant superintendent and executive coach, and award-winning principal Bobby Dodd to unpack their new book, Intentional Influence, Harnessing Cultural Mapping to Build Commitment. Together, they introduce cultural mapping as a practical way to “make the invisible visible,” helping leaders identify formal and informal influencers, understand levels of commitment, and design intentional moves that build trust, belonging, and buy-in across a school or district.​   Ben and Bobby walk through their three-phase process—mapping your people, reflecting on commitment and connections, and planning next steps—while sharing real stories of shifting disengagement, navigating resistance, and turning isolated talent into aligned teams that carry initiatives forward instead of

What if the strongest leaders in your school are already in the classroom and do not need a new title to make a bigger impact? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with educator, author, and department chair Dr. Chris Jochum to unpack his book You Don’t Have to Leave to Lead, that reframes teachers as highly skilled influencers, not “just” a teacher.​ Dr. Jochum shares how his journey from ESL and Spanish teacher to leading a large teacher education department shaped his belief that leadership is rooted in character, courage, and service, and that teachers already practice Fortune 500–level leadership every day in their classrooms. Listeners will learn how to strengthen their leadership identity, craft a personal mission statement that actually guides daily decisions, and approach conflict with adults using the same relational skills they use with students.​ Whether you are a first-year teacher or a veteran educator wondering about your next chapter, this conversation offers

What if the difference between surviving the principalship and loving it again came down to how you spend 90 minutes of your day? In this energizing episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper sits down with longtime collaborators Dr. Joseph Jones and Dr. T.J. Vari from The Schoolhouse 302 to explore how their new book, Time, Tools and Tactics of Instructional Leadership, A Principal’s Guide to Leading Learning, helps leaders escape operational overload and step fully into the role of instructional leader.​ Joe and T.J. share the story behind their partnership, from trail runs at White Clay Creek to blogging, keynoting, and coaching leaders across the country, all centered on one belief, iron sharpens iron and leadership should never be left to chance. They unpack practical systems like asking, “Does this need to get done now, and does it need to be done by me?”, reverse time blocking, and their AFA framework, anchor, focus, align, which together help administrators reclaim their calendars and refocus on what

What if the key to improving student behavior and strengthening school culture starts with how adults care for themselves and each other? In this dynamic Aspire to Lead conversation, Charle Peck joins Joshua Stamper to reveal how a new cohort model is reshaping the way educators care for their mental health and support one another. Charle shares how districts are forming dedicated teams of teachers, counselors, social workers, and administrators who come together to learn nine essential skills rooted in self awareness, relational understanding, and collaborative growth. Listeners will hear stories from real cohorts as Charle and Joshua explore why meaningful reflection, practical regulation strategies, and simple everyday tools are helping staff feel more grounded and more confident. From body scans to rapid resets to intentional communication shifts, this episode highlights approaches that educators can immediately bring into their school day. The conversation also brings the Language of Behavior framework t

What if the real secret to long term leadership is not endurance at all, but learning how not to lose yourself along the way? In this standout episode of Aspire to Lead, Principal Evan Robb returns with a candid and deeply human look at what it truly means to lead for the long game. From becoming a principal at thirty two and opening a school of more than one thousand three hundred students to spending over two decades in the role, Evan shares the honest lessons that titles never teach such as overconfidence, exhaustion, rediscovering balance, and the joy that only comes when you learn to lead yourself first. Joshua and Evan explore what sustainable leadership requires in real, everyday practice. They discuss choosing presence over busyness, building a school where leadership is shared rather than stacked on a single person, and protecting your life outside the building so you can show up grounded and focused inside it. Evan speaks openly about the boundaries that preserved his wellness, the relationships t

In this transformative episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Sarah Johnson rejoins host Joshua Stamper for a masterclass in authentic leadership and personal growth. Together, they share candid stories about why every educator, no matter their role or experience, needs to clarify their core values to build trust, weather challenges, and find joy in their journey. Dr. Johnson reveals lessons from her recent doctoral research on resilience, burnout, and spiritual self-care for school leaders, explaining how defining your leadership language and grounding your practice in faith and balance can help you rise above stress and uncertainty. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for value reflection, tips for aligning their mission with their daily actions, and the inspiration to be both vulnerable and visionary in their work. This episode is an essential resource for anyone seeking purpose-driven leadership that starts from within. About Sarah Johnson: Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, t

Leadership isn’t scripted...and neither is this conversation. In Episode 35 of Aspire Mailbag, Josh Stamper and Jeff Gargas tackle two listener questions that every leader has wrestled with (even if they won’t admit it):