Best Thom Stecher Podcasts (2026)

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65: The Story Behind Thom’s Book: SEL–One Day At A Time 8:35

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28d ago8:35

8:35

Thom sits down with Mike to share the inspiration, structure, and purpose behind his new book, Social Emotional Learning —One Day at a Time, now available at 20% off on Amazon for the holidays.

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64: Relationship Skills 8:47

1M ago8:47

8:47

Thom unpacks the essential elements of strong relationship skills—from deep listening to courageous communication—to help us build more authentic, connected communities.

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63: Part 2: Gratitude in the Classroom with Katie de Vries 26:01

2M ago26:01

26:01

Thom and Katie de Vries explore how educators can cultivate gratitude in the classroom, helping students develop this life-changing skill.

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62: Part 1: The Power of Gratitude - What the Research Tells Us 5:43

2M ago5:43

5:43

Thom explores the science and spirit of gratitude in schools—how daily appreciation transforms student well-being, relationships, and classroom culture.

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61: 3 Ways to Re-Engage Your Students’ Brains and Hearts 9:47

3M ago9:47

9:47

Thom shares three powerful, research-backed strategies—story, motion, and connection—that reignite curiosity, focus, and compassion in the classroom.

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60: Part 2: Back to School with Belonging 6:31

3M ago6:31

6:31

Thom continues his reflections on belonging, reminding us that dignity, respect, and compassion are the foundation of every healthy school community.

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59: Social Awareness 8:59

4M ago8:59

8:59

Thom explores the building blocks of social awareness, diving into perspective, understanding, empathy, and compassion.

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58: What Makes Schools Great 5:03

4M ago5:03

5:03

Thom powerfully reminds teachers, as they return to school, that it is relationships and human connection that truly make schools great.

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57: Back to School with Belonging 9:35

4M ago9:35

9:35

Thom Stecher welcomes teachers back to the 2025–2026 school year by reflecting on the transformative power of belonging in our schools and communities.

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56: Getting Ready for School, Let's Celebrate 5:22

5M ago5:22

5:22

Thom Stecher welcomes teachers back to school with messages of celebration, gratitude, and encouragement for every member of the school community.

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55: Self-Management - A Message from Thom 10:45

5M ago10:45

10:45

In this heartfelt message, Thom reflects on the journey from self-awareness to self-management—one of the five core social-emotional competencies. With wisdom and warmth, he shares personal stories of navigating fear, discipline, motivation, and goal setting. As a 74-year-old, Thom reminds us that growth never stops—and that managing our emotions, …

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54: Leadership in These Turbulent Times 10:27

6M ago10:27

10:27

A timely and powerful reflection from Thom Stecher on leading with courage, compassion, and conviction in a divided world, reminding us that dignity is essential and unity is our path forward.

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53: Summer Reading for the Soul - Thom’s Top 5 Books 10:13

6M ago10:13

10:13

Thom shares five meaningful book recommendations to inspire self-reflection, healing, and human connection this summer – not just for teachers, but for everyone.

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52: Five Ways to Truly Reset This Summer 5:47

7M ago5:47

5:47

In this restorative episode, Thom Stecher offers five powerful reminders for educators to slow down, unplug, and embrace true self-care this summer.

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51: Staying Grounded in These Challenging Times 7:43

7M ago7:43

7:43

This episode is a gentle yet powerful invitation to reclaim your attention, show up with intention, and speak up for what matters most– even when it feels the most challenging.

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50: What is Essential in Education? 8:55

7M ago8:55

8:55

Thom Stecher reflects on what remains essential in education—building relationships, inspiring purpose, and serving the greater good—after more than 50 years of experience.

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49: Service is Healing 9:34

8M ago9:34

9:34

In this heartfelt episode, Thom Stecher shares a deeply personal story of injury, loss, and the unexpected healing power of service. Through reflection and lived experience, he reminds us that when our burdens feel heaviest, offering care to someone else may be the very thing that helps lighten our own.…

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48: The Roots of SEL: Thom’s Version 23:58

8M ago23:58

23:58

Thom’s historical perspective on SEL. SEL has always been around; we’ve just called it something different.

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47: Diversity is Life 5:43

9M ago5:43

5:43

In this powerful episode, Thom Stecher draws on 51 years in education to unpack the growing discomfort around words like diversity, equity, and inclusion. With honesty and heart, he challenges the narrative and offers a grounding truth: diversity isn’t a debate—it’s a fact of life and an essential part of being human.…

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46: Fostering Resilience and Building Assets in Our At-Risk Youth EDUC 532 17:47

1+ y ago17:47

17:47

Scott Heydt and Jessie McFarland join Thom to discuss their graduate course on resiliency and asset building for at-risk youth. EDUC 532 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found ⁠here⁠. This course is designed to move our students from risk …

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45: Culturally Responsive Teaching EDUC 505 16:22

1+ y ago16:22

16:22

Dawn Mader and Deb Moore join Thom to discuss their graduate course exploring culturally responsive teaching. EDUC 505 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found here. This course will include provide students with a framework for becoming cul…

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44: Philosophical Foundations for Instructional Leadership EDUC 500 23:05

1+ y ago23:05

23:05

Mark Eisenhuth and Chris Palochak join Thom to discuss their graduate course exploring philosophical foundations for instructional leaders. EDUC 500 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found here.…

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43: Wellness - Research, Practices and Policies for Teachers and Students EDUC 512 15:48

1+ y ago15:48

15:48

Chris Engler and Jessie McFarland discuss their educator wellness course and the importance of self-care. EDUC 512 is a part of Neumann University's Master of Science in Education with an emphasis in Social Emotional Learning program. More information can be found here.

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42: Big Feelings with Rebecca Louick 36:24

2y ago36:24

36:24

Thom sits with Rebecca Louick to talk about navigating the emotional landscape of feelings in school.

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41: Unifying Daniel Boone 26:49

2y ago26:49

26:49

In this episode, Thom sits with three student leaders to discuss the impact of student involvement in unifying school communities and the influence of the LifeSkills Conference throughout the process.

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40: STEAM Powered SEL with Chris Palochak and Patrice Reiche 34:00

3y ago34:00

34:00

Chris Palochak and Patrice Reiche sit with Thom to discuss how SEL can, and should, be integrated into STEAM education.

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39: Where to Draw the Lines with Dr. Krista Leh 35:54

3y ago35:54

35:54

Thom invites Dr. Krista Leh back to the podcast to discuss how school district leaders lead the process of within-district racial and socioeconomic integration. Dr. Krista Leh Owner & Director of Professional Learning Resonance Education https://www.resonanceed.com

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38: Learning to Connect with Katie McLaughlin 31:13

3y ago31:13

31:13

Thom speaks with Katie McLaughlin, teacher, to discuss her process for building connections and relationships in the classroom.

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37: Teaching SEL Through Literacy with Lisa Graham 35:42

3y ago35:42

35:42

Thom sits with Lisa Graham to discuss the power of literature for teaching young children about feelings, adversity, mindfulness, and a wide range of tender topics. Lisa Graham www.lgrahamauthor.com

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36: Systems of Support with Dr. Meg Givnish Brezina 36:51

3+ y ago36:51

36:51

Thom sits with Dr. Meg Givnish Brezina to discuss the health and well-being of educators and how they can begin or continue to care for themselves in today's school environment.

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35: Happiness 101 with Deb Langol 29:00

3+ y ago29:00

29:00

Thom sits down with Deb Langol to talk about the practice of teaching happiness in school and how students have responded to these practices.

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34: Changing the Climate in Your Building with Chiara Bouchard and Brittany Hagan 35:59

3+ y ago35:59

35:59

Thom speaks with Chiara and Brittany who are making an immediate and significant positive change in their school's culture.

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33: COLA with Chris Felton 42:56

3+ y ago42:56

42:56

Thom sits with Chris Felton to explore how to provide students with continuous opportunities for learning and achievement.

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32: Wisdom with Dr. Yvonne Kaye 38:44

3+ y ago38:44

38:44

Thom and Yvonne sit down to talk about history, empowerment and understanding what children know and feel.Dr. Yvonne Kayewww.yvonnekayewisdom.com

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31: Living an Intentional 3x5 Life with Bryan and Jessie McFarland 39:09

4y ago39:09

39:09

In this episode, Bryan and Jessie McFarland share their purpose-driven productivity system, 3x5 Life, and how intentionality and purpose can foster wellness and success. Bryan & Jessie McFarland 3x5 Life www.3x5life.com Contact

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30: Six Gears of Learning and Leadership with Julia Skolnik 45:24

4y ago45:24

45:24

Julia Skolnik is fireside once again to speak with Thom about the essential components of learning and leadership. Julia Skolnik https://www.learningpartnerships.org/

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29: The Gratitude Girls 32:43

4y ago32:43

32:43

So many guests! This time around Thom gets a chance to talk to a school team that is making SEL work in the real world!

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28: Polarization with Geena Flores 38:27

4y ago38:27

38:27

Geena Flores is back again to explain the polarizing forces present in our society and how bridges can be built to meet on common ground.

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27: The Convergence of Trauma with Geena Flores 48:28

4y ago48:28

48:28

Geena Flores, Social Studies teacher, joins Thom to talk about the trauma that exists inside our students and the very real historical roots of that trauma.

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26: Impacting Your Practice Using Neuroscience with Julia Skolnik and Dave Baugh 46:27

4y ago46:27

46:27

How can we leverage what we know about how to brain works to impact teaching and learning? Listen to find out! Thom Stecher www.thomstecher.com [email protected] Julia Skolnik https://www.learningpartnerships.org [email protected] Dave Baugh LinkedIn

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25: Dignity, Ethics, and Integrity with Dr. Jim Scanlon 39:08

4y ago39:08

39:08

In this episode, Thom sits down with Jim Scanlon, educational leadership consultant and retired superintendent of schools, to discuss the impact of current events on schools, educators, and children.

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24: Essential Services with Pamela Hackett 36:32

4+ y ago36:32

36:32

Thom sits down with Pamela Hackett, managing partner of Pediatric Therapeutic Services, to discuss essential services for educators and students. Pamela Hackett, MPT Pediatric Therapeutic Services, Inc. 525 FAYETTE STREET CONSHOHOCKEN, PA 19428 610.941.7020 Main 610-941-7792 Fax www.mypts.com

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23: Insights from Brain Science for Education with Julia Skolnik 54:54

4+ y ago54:54

54:54

Julia Skolnik, Chief Learning Officer and Founder of Professional Learning Partnerships, joins Thom in this episode to discuss of learning works in the brain and how schools can transform learning and culture rooted in the science of the brain and learning. Julia Skolnik, MSEd Chief Learning Officer & Founder Professional Learning Partnerships LLC …

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22: Enneagram with Dennis Tallon 48:55

4+ y ago48:55

48:55

In this episode, Dennis Tallon pulls up a chair to discuss Enneagram personality types and how essential relationships are in everything that we do. Dennis J. Tallon, Owner/Founder of Tallon Consulting Group www.tallonconsultinggroup.com

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21: Fueling Schools with Dr. Kelley Munger 39:34

4+ y ago39:34

39:34

Pull up a chair and sit by the fire as Thom talks with Dr. Kelley Munger about developing resilient, trauma-informed educators.Please excuse the audio quality. We are recording remotely and we think that the quality of the conversation is worth the sacrifice of audio quality. Thank you for listening!Dr. Kelley Mungerwww.fueledschools.orgInstagram/T…

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20: Linking STEM to Careers with Dale Keshishian 44:30

4+ y ago44:30

44:30

Join us fireside for a discussion with Dale Keshishian. Dale is the CEO of HealthWorks Academies and is transforming education to attract and develop the next generation of healthcare professionals; combining the goals and needs of both the individual student and the community at large. To learn more about HealthWorks Academies you can visit their …

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19: Visioning Onward with Dr. Patschke 43:26

5y ago43:26

43:26

Dr. Melissa Patschke, co-author of "Visioning Onward: A Guide for ALL Schools", joins us for a conversation about visioning in schools and the important role that all stakeholders have in the process.If you'd like to check out the book for yourself, you can find it here: AmazonDr. Melissa PatschkeTwitter: @Melissapatschke…

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18: Diversity & Equity: Part 3 56:10

5+ y ago56:10

56:10

Part 3 is here! Thom's conversation with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) on diversity and equity moves towards the idea of systemic change. This is the third episode in a multi-part series. This was recorded remotely so please forgive any sound hiccups you may he…

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17: Diversity & Equity: Part 2 39:48

5+ y ago39:48

39:48

We are back for part 2! Thom continues his conversation with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) on diversity and equity. This is the second episode in a multi-part series. Krista Leh @Krista_Leh Jamillah Parker @Jamillah_Parker SEL Convergence is honored to have bee…

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16: Diversity & Equity: Part 1 48:11

5+ y ago48:11

48:11

In this episode, Thom connects virtually with Krista Leh (Educational Consultant specializing in SEL, Diversity & Equity) and Jamillah Parker (School social worker) to begin a conversation on diversity and equity. This is the first episode in a multi-part series. Krista Leh @Krista_Leh Jamillah Parker @Jamillah_Parker…