Best CharacterStrong Podcasts (2025)

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Systems, Not Slogans: Building a Culture of Care & How Georgia is Prioritizing Student Mental Health - Erica Fener-Sitkoff 25:47

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5h ago25:47

25:47

Today our guest is Erica Fener-Sitkoff the Chief Clinical Officer at FullBloom. We talk to Erica talk about why student mental health belongs at the center of school success. She shares a practical frame for Tier 1–Tier 3 supports, why universal wellbeing skills (like gratitude, check-ins, and regulation) make Tier 2 and Tier 3 more effective, and …

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From Data to Care: Coaching That Strengthens Counselor Connections - Abby Master & Tiffany Brown 24:11

5d ago24:11

24:11

Today our guests are Abby Master, Co-Founder of EmpowerU & Tiffany Brown a Licensed School Counselor and Lead Coach with EmpowerU. We talk to Abby & Tiffany about The Power of 1:1 Coaching to Transform Student Mental Health. They share how one-to-one, asynchronous coaching expands Tier 2 capacity, strengthens counselor-student relationships, and he…

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Simple Systems, Lasting Impact: Character Through Daily Announcements - Meg Boyd 22:48

12d ago22:48

22:48

Today our guest is Meg Boyd the Principal at Edgewood Elementary. Meg shares how her school uses morning announcements to keep a daily focus on character in every classroom. From “Motivation Monday” to “Fun with Words Friday,” each day carries a theme that unites students and staff while strengthening school culture. What began during COVID as simp…

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Season 8 Kickoff: Three Challenges in Education - Mental Health, Behavior, & Burnout 30:44

19d ago30:44

30:44

Season 8 kicks off with CharacterStrong co-founders John Norlin and Houston Kraft unpacking three challenges schools face: student mental health, rising behavior, and educator burnout. They explain why culture is “the plate,” not another thing on it, and how adult behavior change drives schoolwide improvement. John and Houston also show how a cohes…

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Relational Strategies That Strengthen Academics - Dr. Lori Lynass 17:42

26d ago17:42

17:42

Today our guest is Dr. Lori Lynass, Sr. Director of MTSS at CharacterStrong. We talk to Lori about how connection isn’t “extra” or “soft”—it’s a strategic, academic practice at the heart of effective Tier 1 work. She shares how simple strategies, like quick community-building circles, can be woven into the school day in just a few minutes and still…

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Systems Over Goals: Building Belonging in Schools - Dr. Darian Jones 16:40

1M ago16:40

16:40

Today our guest is Dr. Darian Jones, Program Implementation Specialist at CharacterStrong. We talk to Dr. Jones on why belonging must be built into the systems of a school, not left to chance. He highlights how proactive and responsive practices, like structured greetings, advisory systems, and intentional transitions can help both students and adu…

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The Power of Presence in a Rushed World - John Norlin 5:58

1M ago5:58

5:58

On today's episode CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin explores a simple idea with big impact: the pace of our day influences the way we show up for others. When we’re constantly rushing, even our best intentions, like showing kindness or practicing empathy, can get lost in the shuffle. John invites educators and leaders to reflect on how we pri…

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2025 Tier 2 Summit: Problem-Solving Common Barriers to Tier 2 - Dr. Clay Cook 14:42

2M ago14:42

14:42

Today we talk with Dr. Clay Cook, the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. He shares the biggest reasons Tier 2 systems stall—and what to do about it. Dr. Cook unpacks common barriers like unclear roles, limited capacity, and lack of team clarity, offering practical, hopeful solutions every school can apply. Learn More About CharacterStron…

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What Happens When Kids Know You Believe In Them - Dr. Andre Stout 17:40

2M ago17:40

17:40

Today our guest is Dr. Andre Stout, principal at Gray Middle School, in Tacoma, WA. We talk to Dr. Stout about how intentional systems—not just goals—drive lasting change. From daily character lessons and biweekly Fireside Chats to celebrating growth and reclaiming the hallways, he breaks down the simple, strategic systems that helped shift school …

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Every Student, Every Need: Rethinking School Support - Jeff Cohen 12:14

2M ago12:14

12:14

Today our guest is Jeff Cohen, CEO of FullBloom. We talk to Jeff about what it really means to support students. He challenges us to rethink the one-size-fits-all models and instead embrace a personalized approach, one where schools are equipped to meet every student where they are. From personalizing learning experiences to strengthening the adult…

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Tools, Trust, and Teaching What Matters - Kelli Brabson 16:01

2M ago16:01

16:01

Today our guest is Kelli Brabson the MTSS Coordinator at Mossville Grade School. We talk to Kelli about what it means to invest in students intentionally, proactively, and with heart. Drawing from over two decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and now MTSS leader, Kelli shares practical strategies for building community, fostering accounta…

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Carrying Less, Caring More: The Power of Emptying the Backpack - Sam Demma 19:08

3M ago19:08

19:08

Today our guest is Author and Keynote Speaker Sam Demma. We talk to Sam about the powerful concept of “Emptying Your Backpack,” which began during a series of live Instagram chats with students. Sam shares why it’s essential to help young people release the negative thoughts, emotions, and labels they carry, and how doing so can create space for gr…

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2025 School Safety Summit - Prevention in Action: The Power of Effective Threat Assessment - Dr. Dewey Cornell 16:24

3M ago16:24

16:24

On this episode we are sharing a conversation from the 2025 School Safety Summit. Dr. Dewey Cornell, a leading national expert in school safety, shares the science and practical strategies behind effective threat assessment. He explains why prevention must go beyond zero tolerance policies and how schools can use structured, research-backed approac…

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From Listening to Launch: Collaborative Curriculum Selection - Joanna Frankel 19:56

3M ago19:56

19:56

Today our guest is Joanna Frankel the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate at Portland Public Schools. We talk to Joanna about how her team led a deeply collaborative curriculum selection process—gathering input from over 300 staff members, conducting a community listening tour with families, and piloting options with 37 educators. She reflec…

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2025 School Safety Summit - Beyond Response: Building Safer Schools Through Relationships and Resilience - Frank DeAngelis 15:57

3M ago15:57

15:57

On this episode we are sharing a conversation from the 2025 School Safety Summit. Frank DeAngelis, former longtime principal of Columbine High School, shares powerful lessons on prevention, resilience, and leadership. He highlights why real school safety is about relationships, readiness, and collective action—and reminds us why we must continue wo…

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A Purposeful Approach to Student Support - Sam Dusek & Jordan Seifert 20:21

4M ago20:21

20:21

Today our guests are Sam Dusek & Jordan Seifert, School Counselors at Meyer Middle School and part of the team that was awarded the 2025 Wisconsin School Counseling Team of the Year. We talk to Sam & Jordan about how their school counseling program is leading the way in proactive, purpose-driven student support. They share how a clear mission focus…

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Holistic Student Support In Action - Cory McCarthy 19:01

4M ago19:01

19:01

Today our guest is Cory McCarthy, the Chief of Student Support for Boston Public Schools. We talk with Cory about what it means to take a truly holistic approach to student support. He explains the critical difference between technicaland adaptive progress monitoring—and why getting to the “third why” in conversations with students and staff is a g…

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Celebrate the Small Stuff: The Power of Positive School Storytelling - Dr. Vince Breunig 21:01

4M ago21:01

21:01

Today our guest is Dr. Vince Breunig, District Administrator at the School District of Lodi. We talk to Dr. Breunig about the power of consistently sharing the good happening in our schools. He shares practical strategies for celebrating small but meaningful moments, filling the community with positivity, and making space for authentic engagement—e…

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Sustainability: A Key to Lasting Impact in Education - Dr. Clay Cook 15:24

4M ago15:24

15:24

Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk to Clay about one the most important parts of implementation: sustainability. From onboarding and monitoring fidelity to embedding new practices into the fabric of school culture, Clay shares the essential systems that help schools avoid implementation drift.…

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Tackling Tech & Teen Anxiety: A Community on a Mission - John Hellwich 20:21

4M ago20:21

20:21

Today our guest is John Hellwich, the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning at the Peninsula School District in WA. We talk to John about the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula community campaign inspired by the book The Anxious Generation. With anxiety rising and screen time out of control, this grassroots movement is bringing together schools, faith …

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Showing Up Matters: The Power of Daily Connection - Alex Kajitani 19:15

5M ago19:15

19:15

Today our guest is Alex Kajitani the 2009 California Teacher of the Year and also The Rappin' Mathematician. We talk to Alex about the foundational role that relationships play in education. He unpacks the three essential components every relationship must have and highlights the different types of relationships students navigate daily—with themsel…

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Start Small, Lead Big: Building Culture with Student Leaders - Julia Kennedy 15:56

5M ago15:56

15:56

Today our guest is Julia Kennedy the SEL Coach at Meduxnekeag Consolidated School in Woodstock, NB. We talk with Julia about her school’s CharacterStrong journey and the intentional steps they’ve taken to build a stronger culture. She shares how they’ve created meaningful opportunities for student engagement—like having 200 students sign up to gree…

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Character Traits That Connect: A K–12 Approach - Dr. Mark Chapin 14:17

5M ago14:17

14:17

Today our guest is Dr. Mark Chapin, Principal at Meyer Middle School. We talk to Dr. Chapin about how his district takes a purposeful approach to character development—from monthly character kickoff presentations to unifying yearly themes. He explains how each trait is clearly defined and modeled across all grade levels, K–12, and how community inp…

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From Curriculum to Connection: Building Belonging with PBIS 19:41

5M ago19:41

19:41

Today our guest is Mariah Reed-Brown, School Counselor at Paradise Valley High School. We talk to Mariah about how she’s customized the CharacterStrong curriculum to strengthen her school’s PBIS framework. She shares how getting into classrooms and intentionally connecting Tier 1 practices to PBIS has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging for…

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Equipping Students To Navigate Conflict With Compassion - Jocelyn Pajimula 17:02

6M ago17:02

17:02

Today our guest is Jocelyn Pajimula the Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator & Restorative Practices Coach at Ewa Makai Middle School. We talk to Jocelyn about how her school have created a system to give students tools to repair and prevent broken broken relationships. She breaks down their two key strategies when conflict arises and introduc…

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Living Out Your Purpose - Taryne Dismuke 18:39

6M ago18:39

18:39

Today our guest is Taryne Dismuke, Culture Catalyst at DO EWE Coaching & Consulting. We talk to Taryne about the concept of living out your pillars of purpose. She unpacks how easy it is to get pulled away from our core purpose in education—and how that drift can lead to burnout. Taryne offers practical insights on staying grounded in our “why,” an…

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Helping Students Stay Present And Focused - Cara Newman 15:49

6M ago15:49

15:49

Today our guest is Cara Newman a 4th grade educator in the Plainedge School District. We talk to Cara about how a simple yet powerful practice—having students set intentions throughout the day—can increase focus, presence, and ownership in the classroom. She explains how this strategy fosters student buy-in, supports self-regulation, and ultimately…

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Building a Student-Centered MTSS: Mental Health Strategies That Work - Dr. Tinisha Parker 30:23

6M ago30:23

30:23

On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit! Dr. Tinisha Parker, Executive Director of Student Services for Gwinnett County Public Schools, shares her expertise on integrating mental health within a Multi-Tiered System of Supports. With over two decades of experience as an educator, school counselor, and district leader, Dr. …

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Building a Mental Health Continuum Within MTSS: Strategies for Schools - Dr. Sharon Hoover 25:52

7M ago25:52

25:52

On this episode we are featuring content from our 2025 MTSS Summit! Dr. Sharon Hoover discusses the critical intersection of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and mental health. As a leading expert in school mental health, Dr. Hoover shares insights on how schools can effectively integrate mental health prevention and intervention services within an …

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The Power of Community Circles: Strengthening Student Relationships & Behavior - Charles MacGregor 16:07

7M ago16:07

16:07

Today our guest is Charles MacGregor, a School Counselor at Penrose Elementary and emerging leader with the Colorado School Counselor Association Board of Directors. We talk to Charles about how his school has embraced community circles as part of their morning meetings, fostering stronger relationships and positively impacting student behavior. He…

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Advocating For School Counselors As Mental Health Professionals - Jordan Blevins 18:23

7M ago18:23

18:23

Today our guest is Jordan Blevins, School Counselor at Pacific Law Academy & 2025 California School Counselor of the Year We talk to Jordan about the critical role school counselors play as student mental health professionals, often being the first point of contact for students in need. She discusses the importance of advocating for the counselor’s…

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Always Improving: Making Our Tier 2 Solution Even More Effective For Educators And Students - Dr. Clay Cook 15:38

7M ago15:38

15:38

Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook, Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk with Clay about the importance of Tier 2 interventions in schools. The discussion highlights key improvements to CharacterStrong’s Tier 2 solution, including reducing prep time for small group skill-building sessions, increasing engagement, and enhancing data tr…

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Empowering First-Generation Students: Strategies For Counselors And Schools - Carrie Woodard 13:12

8M ago13:12

13:12

Today our guest is Carrie Woodard the Director Student Support Services - School Counselors at Pittsburgh Public Schools. We talk to Carrie about ways that school counselors can create a strong support system for first-generation students—offering personalized guidance on navigating the college application process, exploring financial aid options, …

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2025 NSCW: Beyond the Basics: Strengthening Student Support Systems - Dr. Damien Sweeney 16:02

8M ago16:02

16:02

Dr. Damien Sweeney shares his expertise on supporting students through strong relationships, collaboration, and culturally sustaining practices. Drawing from his diverse career in education, counseling, and leadership, Dr. Sweeney discusses the importance of student trust, multi-tiered systems of support, and integrating student voices into decisio…

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Providing A Safe Environment In An Overcrowded Middle School - Rebecca Thompson & Charlee Breeden 19:06

8M ago19:06

19:06

Today our guests are Principal Rebecca Thompson & Associate Principal Charlee Breeden at Tomahawk Creek Middle School in Midlothian, VA We talk to Rebecca & Charlee about how they create a safe, supportive environment in an overcrowded middle school. They highlight the power of knowing names, servant leadership, and safety. Rebecca emphasizes the i…

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The Power Of A Warm Welcome: Creating Connections One Greeting At A Time - Josh Holbrook 18:08

8M ago18:08

18:08

Today our guest is Josh Holbrook, SEL Specialist at Rowan County Middle School in Kentucky . Josh dives into the impact of a simple warm welcome and shares about the fun way they partnered with student-athletes to build relationships by greeting students at the door for Fist Bump Friday. Josh also breaks down the four essential components of the wa…

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Creating Connections: Cultural Intelligence And Family Engagement - Andrea Freile 22:10

9M ago22:10

22:10

Today our guest is Andrea Freile the Family Engagement and Communications Coordinator at Wayne County Public Schools. We talk to Andrea about Cultural Intelligence and she highlights the critical work around helping teachers and staff to engage with families empathetically. She emphasizes the importance of striving for greater understanding to bett…

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Building A Community Of Support Around Students - Jorge Torres 19:29

9M ago19:29

19:29

Today our guest is Jorge Torres the lead school counselor, at Foster High School in Tukwila, WA. Jorge shares heartfelt reflections on his own upbringing and the profound impact that a strong community of support can have on students’ lives. He challenges us to ask, “Who else can I invite to the table?” when fostering relationships and creating mea…

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Top 6 of 2024 - The Law Of The Lid - John Norlin 8:56

9M ago8:56

8:56

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Supporting Women In Educational Leadership - Dr. Lillie Cox 22:21

9M ago22:21

22:21

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Using Data To Monitor And Enhance Student Success - Leandra Torra 18:35

9M ago18:35

18:35

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - The Importance Of Progress Monitoring & Data Collection - A.J. Howard 16:50

9M ago16:50

16:50

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Supporting Implementation As An Administrator - Robert Mueller 14:19

9M ago14:19

14:19

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Top 6 of 2024 - Gratitude In Action: Cultivating Well-Being Through Intentional Practice - Colton Moore 14:05

9M ago14:05

14:05

Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Attend our next live product preview Visit the CharacterStrong WebsiteBy CharacterStrong

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Proactive School Safety Starts With Connection - Rachelle Finck 15:25

10M ago15:25

15:25

Today our guest is Rachelle Finck a Director of School Support at CharacterStrong. We talk to Rachelle about the powerful connection between proactive school safety and a positive school culture, emphasizing how these two must work hand in hand. She highlights the critical role teachers play in fostering connection and belonging for every student, …

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Empowering Students To Lead The Way: Boosting Attendance And Transforming School Culture - Dr. Christian D’Annibale 19:12

10M ago19:12

19:12

Today our guest is Dr. Christian D'Annibale - Principal at Pottstown High School. We talk to Dr. D'Annibale about how his school achieved a 60% reduction in suspensions and a 90% decrease in class skipping—not by changing disciplinary responses but by shifting the focus to students themselves. He shares how the creation of a student advisory counci…

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Unlocking The Power Of Grouping Strategies - Callie Robinson 19:42

10M ago19:42

19:42

Today our guest is Callie Robinson the Student Success Coordinator at Oak Ridge Schools. We talk to Callie about the impact of grouping strategies in education. Callie shares her experiences with these strategies, highlighting how they’ve fostered meaningful connections among students and how teachers are integrating them into their classrooms. She…

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The Impact Of A Student Safe Team - Jennifer Sack 13:17

10M ago13:17

13:17

Today our guest is Jennifer Sack - Lead School Counselor, Booker T. Washington High School in Oklahoma. We talk to Jennifer about the student safe team, a student group that works to create and foster a positive school culture. She outlines why it started, the different focuses that the team has, and what it looks like during the different seasons …

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Supporting Implementation As An Administrator - Robert Mueller 14:11

11M ago14:11

14:11

Today our guest is Robert Mueller, Middle School Assistant Principal at Platte County R3 Schools. Robert shares his unique approach to implementing CharacterStrong at his school by personally leading an advisory class as an administrator. He highlights how this hands-on strategy fostered meaningful connections with staff and students, setting the s…

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Fostering Belonging Through The Power Of Student Voices - Ty Harris 18:57

11M ago18:57

18:57

Today our guest is Ty Harris the Director of the Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Virginia Beach City Public Schools. We talk with Ty about the powerful ‘why’ behind his work and how his own high school experiences paved the way for what he does today. Ty shares insights on building a community of practice that fosters a genuine sense…