Best Christopher S Dennis Podcasts (2025)

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Proud Dad at Homecoming 6:31

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12h ago6:31

6:31

In this Friday episode, I reflect on making it through a short but full week in schools, capped by the excitement of homecoming weekend. A real highlight for me was seeing my son recognized on the homecoming court, which gave me the chance to discuss the difference between leadership and stewardship and what it means to be seen and celebrated by on…

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Lonely Graduation: The Quiet After the Confetti 6:51

4h ago6:51

6:51

In this episode of "On the Way to School", I continue the conversation about my book Lonely Graduation, sharing personal stories from my own college nights and a student-athlete's signing day. I explore the emotional transition that follows major achievements and how celebrations can sometimes feel draining or isolating. I emphasize the importance …

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Lonely Graduation: When the Finish Line Feels Empty 5:23

9h ago5:23

5:23

Welcome to "On the Way to School" with Dr. Dennis. In this episode, I open up about my upcoming book, Lonely Graduation: The Journey After the Milestone. September has always felt like a month of calibration to me, and as I get deeper into writing, I wanted to share some of that process with you. I discuss where the book began with my own experienc…

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Back to School Night Reflections 6:11

5d ago6:11

6:11

Good morning! Welcome to "On the way to School." I'm Dr. Dennis, and I'm excited to share my reflections on our recent high school back-to-school night. It was heartwarming to see so many parents returning to campus, and I loved hearing the stories that emerged from those interactions. The passion our teachers have for their roles truly shines thro…

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Calibrate Your Year: Finding the Right Pace for School and Life 5:29

22d ago5:29

5:29

Welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School!" As I reflect on the first days of the school year, I keep coming back to the importance of "calibration", adjusting my pace and energy across classrooms, meetings, and responsibilities. In class today, I checked in with students using a Beyoncé mood meter. In my calendar, I've worked on scheduli…

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Back to School: New Beginnings with Dr. Dennis 4:41

23d ago4:41

4:41

Welcome back to a new season of On the Way to School! I’m Dr. Dennis, and I’m thrilled to share my reflections on the first week back at school. Join me as I recount memorable moments from carline drop-offs, inspiring classroom interactions, and the joys of family life. In this episode, I’ll dive into my experiences teaching an equity, justice, and…

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Starting Strong: Feedback & Communication Hacks for New Teachers 5:42

1M ago5:42

5:42

Welcome to "On the Way to School." I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. In this episode, I discuss the onboarding process for new school staff, emphasizing the importance of feedback and clear communication during the crucial first weeks on campus. I share insights on how issues can emerge from informal communication channels and stress the importance …

1
Navigating Disruption: Staying On Course Against All Odds 5:29

1M ago5:29

5:29

Welcome to "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and today I'm excited to explore the impact of disruption on both our personal and professional lives. Disruptions can often feel overwhelming, and I want to explore why that is and share some valuable strategies to help us stay on track amidst the chaos. Staying focused and being prepared fo…

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Unveiling the AI Companion: A Surprise Meeting Recap 3:55

2M ago3:55

3:55

In this episode of On The Way To School, I’m excited to share my personal experiences with AI at work. It all started with an unexpected recap from an AI companion during one of our meetings, which opened my eyes to the potential of this technology. I’ll delve into the diverse ways AI is being utilized in educational environments, highlighting the …

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Maximizing Mondays: Setting Intentions and Winning the Day 5:43

2M ago5:43

5:43

Join me, Dr. Chris Dennis, this Monday morning as I delve into the powerful theme of setting the right intentions and cultivating positive habits. I'll be sharing some personal reflections on the milestones I've encountered throughout my journey, with a particular emphasis on the impact of habits we form at the start of the school year. Have you ev…

1
Mastering Capacity and Emotional Intelligence in Leadership 6:34

2M ago6:34

6:34

Welcome to another episode of 'On The Way To School.' I'm your host, Dr. Chris Dennis. Today, I want to dive into the complexities of modern leadership—something that I believe is more crucial now than ever as we approach a new school year. As I reflect on my journey, I recognize the vital role that emotional intelligence plays in effective leaders…

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Unlocking Leadership: Feedback, Emotions, and Inclusion 5:53

2M ago5:53

5:53

Hey everyone! Welcome back to another episode of 'On The Way To School.' I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and today, we're diving into some crucial aspects of effective leadership. We'll explore how transparent communication and genuine emotional expression can boost your leadership impact. I'm also going to talk about the importance of recognizing who might …

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Strategic Visioning: Setting the Course for Success 6:50

2M ago6:50

6:50

In this episode of "On The Way To School," I reflect on the importance of strategic planning both professionally and personally. As we begin a new school year, I share my experiences in preparing for critical meetings and retreats, emphasizing how strategic plans serve as a roadmap for achieving our long-term objectives. I delve into personal anecd…

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Kickstarting the School Year: The Power of Planning and Communication 5:55

2M ago5:55

5:55

Good morning and welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School." I'm Dr. Chris Dennis, and as we begin this new academic year, I'd like to discuss the importance of planning sessions and establishing a clear vision to prevent future bottlenecks in education. I've been reflecting on the nuances of when to seek help, and I want to emphasize how…

1
End of Summer Bonding in Rancho Mirage 1:38

2M ago1:38

1:38

Join me for a special episode as I check in from Rancho Mirage, where I’m wrapping up summer with a quick getaway alongside my sons. It’s been a great chance for us to relax, recharge, and spend some much-needed quality time together. I also wanted to share a quick update on what’s ahead for August. I’ve got some exciting plans coming up, including…

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Behind the Numbers: Exploring Diversity and Salaries in Independent Schools 7:49

2M ago7:49

7:49

In this episode of "On The Way To School," I revisit the NAIS report, which offers some fascinating insights into class sizes, staff diversity, and compensation in independent schools. I noticed that the median class size typically ranges from 14 to 16 students, and it got me thinking about the implications of such small class environments, especia…

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Unpacking the NAIS Report: Key Stats for School Leaders 5:26

2M ago5:26

5:26

As I welcomed everyone to today's episode of "On the Way to School," I aimed to shine a light on some critical insights that many educators and administrators may not have access to. Today, we delved into the "Data and Analysis for School Leadership Report" from the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS). This crucial report not only ou…

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Starting the School Year Right: Intentions and Impact 5:19

2M ago5:19

5:19

Hey there, and welcome back to another exciting episode of "On the Way to School!" I'm looking forward to chatting with you as we get ready for a fresh new school year. It's such a great time to set some clear intentions and jump into a wonderful journey toward making this year truly special and impactful. As I reflect on what sets a strong tone fo…

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Embracing New Beginnings: A Summer Reflection 5:49

2M ago5:49

5:49

Welcome back to "On The Way To School!" I'm Dr. Christopher Dennis, and after a long break, I'm thrilled to return and share my thoughts on the blissful stillness of summer and my preparations for the upcoming school year. Summer has always been a sacred time for me—a chance to rest, reflect, and look forward to a fresh start. As I think about my 2…

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The Month of May: A Journey of Joy, Challenges, and Growth 6:10

4M ago6:10

6:10

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In this episode, join Christopher S. Dennis as he reflects on the joys and challenges of the school year during May. From attending student presentations that showcase creative approaches to learning to celebrate achievements at school events, Dr. Dennis …

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When Education Meets Real Life: A Student's Transformative Journey 5:29

4M ago5:29

5:29

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this episode, we explore the transformative power of education beyond traditional assignments. Dr. Dennis shares the story of a student whose project evolved into a platform that addresses family ideology and communic…

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A New Milestone: Dr. Dennis's Journey to Educational Excellence 6:14

4M ago6:14

6:14

Welcome to "On The Way To School." I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and I'm excited to share my daily educational boost. In today's special episode, I want to reflect on my profound experience of achieving my doctorate in education for social justice. It's been a six-year journey, and I'm eager to discuss the significance of this accomplishment and my co…

1
Climbing the Leadership Pyramid: Insights with Dr. Dennis 4:40

4M ago4:40

4:40

Welcome to another inspiring episode of On The Way To School. Join Dr. Christopher S. Dennis as he shares his personal journey of leadership, fresh from completing his doctoral program. In this episode, Dr. Dennis explores the concept of the leadership pyramid, emphasizing the importance of solid foundations, finding like-minded peers, and the psyc…

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Adjust Your Seat: Changing Perspectives for Success 4:27

5M ago4:27

4:27

Welcome to "On The Way To School" with Christopher S. Dennis. In episode 101, we explore the transformative power of adjustment metaphorically and literally. As the school year progresses, this episode delves into the importance of altering your perspective to gain fresh insights, enhance comfort, and unlock new opportunities. Drawing an analogy fr…

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Celebrating a Milestone: Episode 100 of 'On The Way To School' 6:04

6M ago6:04

6:04

Welcome to the 100th episode of 'On The Way To School,' a daily podcast dedicated to educators and administrators. Join your host, Christopher S. Dennis, as he reflects on the journey to this milestone, emphasizing the power of consistency and the importance of honoring your authentic core. Learn from heartfelt experiences and find inspiration to t…

1
"Overcoming Hurdles: Lessons from the Track" 7:16

6M ago7:16

7:16

Welcome to episode 99 of 'On The Way To School,' in which host Christopher S. Dennis reflects on significant milestones and the power of resilience. Recorded at the end of a busy week, this episode delves into the meaningful experiences that shape us as educators and individuals. Christopher shares a heartfelt story about his son's track meet, high…

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Rediscover Your 'Why': A Reflective Journey for Educators 5:08

6M ago5:08

5:08

Join Christopher S. Dennis on "On The Way To School" as he invites educators to reignite their passion by revisiting their original motivations. Reflect on your journey, exploring the initial goals and aspirations that brought you to your current role. Whether it's unearthing an old cover letter or revisiting recommendations, this episode encourage…

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Quarterly Check-In: Grade Your Goals in 2025 5:50

6M ago5:50

5:50

Welcome to "On The Way To School" with Christopher S. Dennis, your daily motivational boost designed for educators and administrators. In this episode, Christopher encourages you to pause and reflect on your first quarter accomplishments and challenges, helping you recalibrate your goals and prepare for the dynamic months ahead. As we move from the…

1
Reputation: Beyond Intentions and Visions 5:23

6M ago5:23

5:23

Welcome to another episode of "On The Way To School," where host Christopher S. Dennis delves into the intricacies of building and maintaining a professional reputation. As we navigate life on the path of education, maintaining integrity and reflecting on feedback becomes crucial. In this episode, you'll discover how your past actions shape your cu…

1
Are we a Family? Meaningful Bonds Beyond the Classroom 5:41

6M ago5:41

5:41

Welcome to this episode of On The Way To School. Join Christopher S. Dennis as we explore the importance of nurturing authentic relationships within professional spaces, particularly in educational settings. While some organizations liken themselves to a family, this metaphor doesn't resonate with everyone. Instead, we delve into the value of indiv…

1
From Sixth Grade to Sales Prodigy 4:48

6M ago4:48

4:48

Welcome to "On The Way To School," where we explore inspirational stories that motivate educators and administrators in their daily journeys. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he shares a poignant childhood experience about completing a car transaction at the age of 12, handling a vintage Thunderbird. This task became a cornerstone of project-based lea…

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Unlocking New Levels: Finish What You Started 5:54

6M ago5:54

5:54

Welcome to another inspiring episode of "On The Way To School" with your host, Christopher S. Dennis. As we navigate the joys of spring, we find ourselves at the threshold of new beginnings and the importance of finishing what we've started. As secondary students head into spring break and elementary students celebrate Grandparents Day, Christopher…

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Beyond the Sharkotype: Embracing Authentic Leadership 5:33

6M ago5:33

5:33

Welcome to another episode of On The Way To School, where Christopher S. Dennis takes us through the nuances of modern leadership. In today's episode, we reflect on experiences from the everyday commute and powerful conversations held at a recent school event. Explore the traits of non-traditional leadership styles as Christopher shares insights ga…

1
Crafting a Winning Onboarding Strategy 6:15

6M ago6:15

6:15

In today's episode of On The Way To School, Christopher S. Dennis discusses the critical importance of the onboarding process for educators and administrators. Reflecting on his own experiences, Christopher emphasizes the need for a well-planned onboarding strategy that aligns with a school's mission and values such as diversity, equity, inclusion,…

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Growing Pains: Confidentiality Challenges 6:48

6M ago6:48

6:48

Season 4 Episode 90: In this episode, recorded on St. Patrick's Day, join Christopher as he reflects on the importance of confidentiality and trust within school leadership. Discover how breaches of trust can impact relationships and school dynamics and why taking responsibility and repairing trust is crucial for a healthy educational environment.…

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After School Reflections: Love, Dialogue, and Faith 6:49

7M ago6:49

6:49

In this episode of "On The Way To School," Christopher S. Dennis shares insights and personal reflections recorded after a dynamic day following the Monday of Daylight Savings. Dennis recounts his participation in a leadership summit at another school and a heartwarming experience from a weekend workshop with Private School Village. He reflects on …

1
Navigating Federal Fallout: Staying the Course in Education 6:29

7M ago6:29

6:29

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the challenges educators face amidst federal policy changes and the lack of standardized best practices. Drawing parallels with historical events such as the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Christoph…

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The Season Heats Up! Admissions and Hiring 6:07

7M ago6:07

6:07

Join me, on On The Way To School for a discussion on the complexities of the independent school admissions process and the importance of nurturing internal candidates for faculty and leadership openings. I’ll share strategies for providing valuable feedback and growth opportunities to internal applicants, helping them stay motivated and prepared fo…

1
Leadership without Closure 7:27

7M ago7:27

7:27

In this episode, Christopher shares a personal journey of dealing with unresolved situations as a leader. He discusses the intricacies of trust and closure when relationships with families and constituents face challenges. Through his candid reflections, he delves into the emotions and growth opportunities that arise when closure is elusive, emphas…

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Consistency and Reflection: Strengthening School Narratives 7:10

7M ago7:10

7:10

In this episode of On The Way To School, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the importance of consistency and reflection in educational settings. He emphasizes the value of returning to foundational documents and mission statements to ensure alignment with institutional goals and principles. Christopher shares insights on leading an accreditation…

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Riding the Podcast Journey: 83 Episodes Strong 2:58

7M ago2:58

2:58

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators, hosted by Christopher S. Dennis. In this check-in episode, Christopher reflects on the journey so far, marking a significant milestone of 83 episodes. He shares his commitment to transparency and authenticity, promising to bring intentional and valuable…

1
Finding Harmony in the Junk Drawer of Life 5:48

8M ago5:48

5:48

Welcome to On The Way To School, your daily six-minute boost for educators and administrators. Join Christopher S. Dennis as he explores the concept of organized chaos and its role in our daily lives. As we navigate the demands of a new school year, this episode reflects on the ubiquitous "junk drawer"—a metaphor for the controlled chaos many of us…

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Challenging Yourself with Advanced Curriculum 6:14

8M ago6:14

6:14

Welcome to On The Way To School, your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. In this episode, Christopher S. Dennis encourages listeners to embrace the new year by taking on more challenging roles within educational settings. From maintaining up-to-date grade books to understanding the dynamics of proximity and influence, Dennis e…

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The Role of Educators in Today's Society 5:53

8M ago5:53

5:53

Welcome to 'On The Way To School,' your six-minute daily podcast for educators and administrators, led by Christopher S. Dennis. In today's episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities facing educators as they navigate the complex landscape of diversity, equity, and inclusion in our society. Christopher discusses the importance of understan…

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Mindset Upgrade: Reprogramming Your Mental Hard Drive 7:14

8M ago7:14

7:14

In this episode of On The Way To School, host Christopher S. Dennis discusses the importance of upgrading our mental, social, emotional, and professional mindset. Drawing analogies with the evolution of hard drives, he emphasizes the need to let go of outdated habits and embrace new strategies for personal and professional growth. Christopher share…

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New Semesters: Lessons in Leadership and Growth 6:27

8M ago6:27

6:27

Join Christopher S. Dennis on "On The Way To School," as he shares insights from the classroom and discusses the joys and challenges of teaching a new semester-long history elective on Equity, Justice, and Leadership. Learn about the importance of setting the right classroom environment and hear real-life examples of student perspectives on leaders…

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Leveling Up: Life Lessons from Video Games 6:09

8M ago6:09

6:09

Welcome to "On The Way To School," where Christopher S. Dennis provides a morning boost for educators and administrators. In today's episode, we explore the reduction of wildfire threats and a breakthrough ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Transitioning to life's analogies, Dennis delves into how video games can inspire personal growth and fulfil…

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From Ideas to Action: A Roadmap for Educators 5:57

8M ago5:57

5:57

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your daily six-minute motivational boost designed specifically for educators and administrators. Join host Christopher S. Dennis as he delves into the journey of transforming educational ideas into action. Christopher covers the essential steps of moving from concept to creation, guiding us on how to break down bi…

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Supreme Accountability: Leadership at Its Best 6:10

9M ago6:10

6:10

Welcome to "On The Way To School," your six-minute daily boost for educators and administrators. I'm Christopher S. Dennis, and today's focus is on supreme accountability in leadership. As leaders in educational settings, it's crucial to take ownership of all situations, whether you were aware of them initially or not. From celebrating successes to…

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Resilience Through the Flames: Stories of Humanity and Hope 4:57

9M ago4:57

4:57

Join Christopher S. Dennis on a heartfelt episode of "On The Way To School" as he addresses the profound impacts of the Los Angeles fires on the community. Through personal stories and reflections, Christopher shares his gratitude for the strength and resilience shown by friends and colleagues. This episode offers a glimpse into the communal spirit…