Best Joshua Stamper Podcasts (2025)

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39. Student Reintegration with the Creation of a Mental Health Team 19:57

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3d ago19:57

19:57

When a student returns to school after time in a mental health facility, the transition can feel like walking a tightrope for the child, their family, and the educators who want to help. In this episode of The Language of Behavior, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper dig into a listener’s question about what reintegration really requires. Drawing from t…

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Episode 232: Six Essential Elements of School Culture (and How Leaders Shape Them) 33:42

5d ago33:42

33:42

In this solo episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard dives into the heartbeat of every great school: its culture. Drawing from personal experiences as a principal and superintendent, as well as insights from his writing and coaching, Darrin unpacks six essential elements of school culture and how leaders can directly influence each o…

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38. Why Student Behaviors Spike After the First Few Weeks of School 19:55

10d ago19:55

19:55

In this episode of The Language of Behavior, co-hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper tackle a timely listener question: “Now that we’ve been in school for a few weeks, I’m starting to see new behaviors. What may be the cause of this?” Together, they explore why the “three-week mark” often brings an uptick in student behavior challenges. From shifti…

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Episode 231: Building Trust and Leading with Courage - A Conversation with Dr. Jen Schwanke 47:43

13d ago47:43

47:43

This week on the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jen Schwanke, a seasoned educator, author, and deputy superintendent with nearly three decades of experience. Together, we explore the history of public education and why times of societal unrest so often result in schools being placed under the spotlight. Dr. Schwanke shares ins…

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Brag Tags, Herd Mentality, and the Power of Connection with Kim Gameroz 32:43

17d ago32:43

32:43

What does it really take to create a school community where both teachers and students thrive? In this energizing episode of The Language of Behavior, co-hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper sit down with educator, author, and edupreneur Kim Gameroz to unpack the power of belonging, intentional SEL, and celebrating the small wins that make a big di…

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Episode 230: Leading with Grace - Navigating Your Leadership Lifespan with Julia Bialeski 45:09

20d ago45:09

45:09

What if your approach to leadership could be defined by just six words: Be brave, and care about people? Julia Bialeski has lived those words throughout her 20+ year career in public education, serving as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, elementary principal, and now Coordinator of Recruitment and Hiring for the Howard Coun…

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Episode 229: Start Strong, Stay Strong - 5 Intentional Leadership Moves for the Year 23:52

24d ago23:52

23:52

The energy of a new school year is electric — but how do you make sure it lasts past the first bell in August? In this solo episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard shares five intentional leadership moves to keep your momentum alive from day one to the final bell. Drawing from his own experience as a principal, superintendent, and leadership coach, Darrin give…

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37. Why Punishment Alone Fails: Teaching Skills for Lasting Behavior Change 19:01

24d ago19:01

19:01

Fresh off inspiring events in Ohio and Colorado, co-hosts Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper tackle one of the biggest misconceptions in education: the belief that punishment alone changes behavior. Spoiler—it doesn’t. This episode was sparked by a powerful moment during a recent professional development session, where an “eye roll” from a student led …

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Episode 228: Strengthening PLCs with Clarity, Trust, and Purpose with Dr. Chad Dumas 42:33

27d ago42:33

42:33

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Dr. Chad Dumas—PLC expert, consultant, and author of the new book The Teacher Team Leader Handbook. Together, they unpack what it takes to build highly effective PLCs in schools, with a strong focus on clarity, trust, and the role of teacher team leaders. 🔑 Topics covered…

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36. Stronger Together: Building Parent-Teacher Partnerships for Neurodivergent Students 24:32

29d ago24:32

24:32

Fresh off the VIBE EDU conference in California, Josh and Charle reunite to answer a powerful audience question: Should parents of neurodivergent students reach out to teachers at the start of the school year—and how can they do it well? In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Josh and Charle explore the sometimes tricky terrain of parent-tea…

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Episode 227: Leadership Starts with Clarity: A Joint Episode with Joshua Stamper 41:56

1M ago41:56

41:56

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 defi…

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35. Push in Power: Effective Behavior Solutions from the 2025 MTSS Conference 16:28

1M ago16:28

16:28

In this special episode of The Language of Behavior, hosts Josh and Charlie reunite after an inspiring trip to the 2025 MTSS conference in California. They share personal reflections on connecting with passionate educators and mental health professionals and highlight key takeaways from their in-person sessions. The spotlight for this episode is a …

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Episode 226: Stressed Leaders Stay in the Game with Dan Stecken 43:30

1M ago43:30

43:30

Too many school leaders wear burnout like a badge of honor. Dan Stecken was one of them—until he hit a wall. In this episode, Dan, the Superintendent of Seneca Township High School in Illinois, joins Darrin to share his powerful journey from overwhelmed and unhealthy to intentional and empowered. Dan opens up about the toll leadership took on his h…

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34. Conversations That Empower Confidence in Every Student 16:17

2M ago16:17

16:17

What if the most powerful academic tool isn’t a textbook—but a relationship? In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to Velma Knowles’ heartfelt question: “How do you empower students to believe that they can achieve their goals?” Drawing from trauma-informed strategies and years of experience in the classroom, they share practical ways to build…

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Episode 225: Creating High Performing Leadership Teams with the AWESOME Framework 24:00

2M ago24:00

24:00

In this solo episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard shares the framework and mindset behind truly effective leadership teams. Drawing on his work from coast to coast, including a recent workshop at the Innovative Schools Summit in Nashville, Darrin explains why high-performing leadership teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built with clarity, trust, and pu…

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33. The role of Suspensions While Keeping Accountability in Sight 18:53

2M ago18:53

18:53

When students misbehave, emotions run high—for teachers, administrators, and the students themselves. In this episode, Charle and Joshua dive into the complex, often misunderstood world of school suspensions. What role do In-School and Out-of-School Suspensions really play in a student’s growth? How can we hold students accountable without pushing …

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Episode 224: The Liminal Space with Dr. Chris Fuzie 31:48

2M ago31:48

31:48

In Episode 224, Dr. Chris Fuzie joins Darrin for a fascinating conversation on behavior-based leadership and the concept of “liminal space”—the space where individuals lead and follow simultaneously. Drawing from his 28 years in law enforcement and extensive leadership consulting experience, Chris breaks down how leadership is not a position but a …

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32. Rewriting the Impact of Behavior on Student Learning 15:24

2M ago15:24

15:24

Not all behavior supports are created equal—and some do more harm than good. In this episode, Charle and Joshua dive into the listener question: “What behavior supports most influence student learning?” Using John Hattie’s research as a foundation, they unpack the true academic impact of practices like in-school and out-of-school suspension, the ov…

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Episode 223 NASSP POY Series Finale: Shauna Haney and the Power of Purposeful Leadership 38:11

2M ago38:11

38:11

In episode 223, Darrin wraps up the special six-part NASSP Principal of the Year finalist series with an inspiring conversation with Shauna Haney, Principal of Ogden High School in Ogden, Utah. Shauna shares her journey from teacher and coach to school leader, and how her coaching background helped shape her leadership philosophy. We dig into the s…

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Episode 222: Culture, Systems, and the Power of Listening with Jeff Linden 39:20

2M ago39:20

39:20

In this episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, Darrin sits down with fellow high school principal and podcast host Jeff Linden, Principal of Hastings High School in Nebraska. With a shared passion for culture and leadership, Jeff and Darrin dive into what it really takes to build a thriving school environment—especially for those stepping …

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31. Pushing Forward Without Pushing Back 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

In this episode, Charle and Joshua tackle a timely question from an administrator planning for the year ahead: How do we make real progress when the pressure from the state, district, or politics seems to get in the way? With candor and practical insight, they discuss how to stay rooted in your campus vision while navigating the noise. From creativ…

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Episode 221: The Power of Belief - Miguel Salazar’s Journey to Transformative Leadership (NASSP MS POY finalist) 37:39

2M ago37:39

37:39

In this powerful episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Miguel Salazar, principal of Sundown Middle School and NASSP National Middle School Principal of the Year finalist. Miguel shares his deeply personal story—from growing up in poverty and facing multiple challenges as a youth to becoming a leader determined to give every student a chance at…

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Episode 220: Bridges, Belonging, and Buy-In with Joe LaTorre 38:49

2M ago38:49

38:49

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Darrin sits down with Joe LaTorre, a middle school English teacher, team coordinator, and founder of the Bridges program in Long Island, NY. Joe shares how looping, relationship-building, and culturally responsive practices help him build classroom communities rooted in trust and student empowerment. They…

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Episode 219: Leading with Intention and Heart: A Conversation with Terita Walker (NASSP HS POY Finalist) 34:54

2M ago34:54

34:54

In this fourth installment of our special NASSP Principal of the Year series, Darrin sits down with Terita Walker, principal of Denver East High School and one of three finalists for NASSP’s 2025 National High School Principal of the Year award. Walker has transformed East into a school where inclusivity, student empowerment, and academic excellenc…

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30. What Are They Really Telling You? 19:34

2M ago19:34

19:34

Sometimes the biggest cries for help are the quietest ones. In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to a listener’s powerful question: What subtle signs indicate that a child or adult is struggling emotionally or behaviorally? They unpack the vital, often-overlooked clues—like mood swings, sleep changes, irritability, physical illness, sudden gr…

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Episode 218: What’s in Your Can? Leadership Lessons from Alaska with Sherilynn Boehlert (NASSP MS POY Finalist) 41:37

2M ago41:37

41:37

In this third episode of our NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist series, we head to Ketchikan, Alaska, where Sherilynn Boehlert serves as the principal of Schoenbar Middle School. Sheri shares her inspiring leadership journey—from growing up in a family of educators to leading a Blue Ribbon elementary school and now impacting lives at the…

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Episode 217: Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall 42:36

3M ago42:36

42:36

Episode Summary: Teacher evaluation has long been a source of frustration—for both educators and administrators. In this episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, I sit down with Craig Randall, the developer and author of Trust-Based Observations, to reimagine what teacher observation can and should look like. Craig shares how shifting the fo…

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Episode 216: Culture, Collaboration, and Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Conversation with Tony Cattani (NASSP HS POY Finalist) 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

In this inspiring episode of Leaning Into Leadership, we continue our NASSP National Principal of the Year series with Tony Cattani, a finalist for the 2025–2026 National High School Principal of the Year. For 18 years, Tony has led Lenape High School in Medford, NJ, where he's created a thriving school culture grounded in trust, reflection, and in…

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29. Strategies to Enhance Staff Mental Health and Campus Culture 16:14

3M ago16:14

16:14

What happens when school staff are emotionally exhausted, unsupported, and silently burning out? In this episode, Charle and Joshua answer a powerful listener question: How does school culture contribute to behavioral issues among staff? They explore the disconnect between what’s said and what’s modeled—especially around mental health. Too often, e…

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Episode 215: So What, Now What – A Conversation with Dr. Damon Lewis (NASSP MS POY Finalist) 59:02

3M ago59:02

59:02

In this powerful kickoff to our NASSP Principal of the Year finalist series, Dr. Damon Lewis of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, CT shares his incredible leadership journey—from paraeducator to transformational middle school principal. Under his leadership, chronic absenteeism dropped from 31% to 8%, equity-driven initiatives expanded access t…

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Episode 214: The Science of Kindness with Dr. Chris Culver 37:59

3M ago37:59

37:59

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Chris Culver brings the energy, insight, and authenticity that’s made him a rising national voice in school leadership and culture. A former principal and cabinet-level administrator, Chris now leads Orange Sparrow, a consulting practice built on the Science of Kindness and a deep understanding of gen…

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28. Helping Students Build Better Peer Connections 18:32

3M ago18:32

18:32

When students clash, shut each other out, or stir up conflict, it can ripple through your classroom culture. In this episode, Charle and Joshua unpack the listener question, “What do we do when students display negative interactions with peers?”—and offer real strategies to guide students toward better communication, conflict resolution, and meanin…

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Episode 213: Culture Starts with Who You Hire: Insights from Todd Nesloney 47:32

3M ago47:32

47:32

In this episode, Darrin sits down with longtime education leader and author Todd Nesloney for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and hiring. Todd shares his journey from instructional aide to principal, and now as the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for TEPSA. They discuss actionable insights into how schools can improve h…

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27. Noticing the Unnoticed Struggles 19:31

3M ago19:31

19:31

Not every cry for help is loud. In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to a listener’s important question: What subtle signs indicate that a child or adult is struggling emotionally or behaviorally? Together, they explore how to become more attuned to the quiet cues—shifts in energy, nonverbal language, out-of-character behavior, and tone—that …

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Episode 212: Strategic Planning with Dr. Frederick Buskey 1:04:13

3M ago1:04:13

1:04:13

In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and The Assistant Principal Podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard teams up with Dr. Frederick Buskey to explore how school leaders can take a more strategic, sustainable approach to planning for the year ahead. Together, they walk through a four-phase leadership cycle — Prepare, Perform, Refine, and Re…

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Episode 211: Cracking the Code on Educator Retention with Nate Eklund 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

What if the real cause of educator burnout isn’t a lack of resilience or self-care—but the workplace itself? In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Darrin is joined by longtime friend and national thought leader Nathan Eklund, founder of Vital Network, to explore how schools can reimagine themselves as vibrant, sustainable workplaces for e…

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26. When Students Shut Down and You Don’t Know Why 18:50

3M ago18:50

18:50

What do you do when a student shuts down—refusing to work, withdrawing completely, or staring through you like you’re not even there? In this episode, Charle and Joshua respond to a powerful question from listener Isaya Woytowich and dive deep into what’s really going on beneath the surface. They share real classroom stories of shutdowns caused by …

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Episode 210: Schools That Give an F: Clarity, Culture, and Contribution with Rob MacLeod 47:18

3M ago47:18

47:18

Episode 210 – Schools That Give an F: Clarity, Culture, and Contribution with Rob McLeod In this episode, Darrin is joined by international educator and podcast host Rob McLeod to explore a critical leadership conversation: school alignment. Drawing from his own career across three countries and multiple school systems, Rob shares how he rediscover…

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25. How do we Manage Student Manipulation while maintaining Support? 20:20

4M ago20:20

20:20

In this episode, Charle and Joshua tackle a tough and familiar listener question from Lindsay Ward: "When students manipulate situations and other teachers for certain things, what strategies do you have to use to still feel like they are supported?" With empathy and honesty, they break down the difference between manipulation and unmet needs, shar…

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Episode 209: Strategic PD Planning with Chad Ostrowski 55:27

4M ago55:27

55:27

In this special midweek crossover episode with the Teach Better Podcast, Darrin sits down with Teach Better CEO and Co-founder Chad Ostrowski to dive deep into one of the most important leadership tasks schools face: planning professional development that actually moves the needle. Darrin and Chad unpack the mistakes too many schools make—like trea…

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Strategic PD Planning - Chad Ostrowski and Darrin Peppard on The Road To Awesome Podcast. 53:34

4M ago53:34

53:34

Enjoy this crossover episode with the Road To Awesome Podcast. Chad joins Dr. Darrin Peppard to dive deep into one of the most important leadership tasks schools face: planning professional development that actually moves the needle.Darrin and Chad unpack the mistakes too many schools make—like treating PD as a day, not a movement—and offer a pract…

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Episode 208: Helping Teens Make Better Choices with Kevin Mecchella 38:41

4M ago38:41

38:41

What if your biggest mistakes became the very stories that helped others succeed? In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Kevin Mecchella — former class clown turned classical musician, educator, and nationally recognized student speaker — to talk about the power of decision-making and how schools can equip stu…

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24. Why do Power Struggles Start and How to Stop Them 25:12

4M ago25:12

25:12

Ever find yourself in a standoff with a student and wonder, How did we get here? In this eye-opening episode, Charle and Joshua unpack one of the most common and misunderstood classroom challenges: power struggles. From subtle cues like tone and body language to the words we choose and how we position ourselves, every interaction sends a message. T…

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Episode 207: Elevating School Leadership: A Conversation with NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe 39:54

4M ago39:54

39:54

In this inspiring episode, Darrin sits down with Ronn Nozoe, lifelong educator and Chief Executive Officer of NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals). Together, they explore the current landscape of school leadership, the importance of supporting new leaders, and how educators can take ownership of their professional growth. Ron…

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23. Making Discipline Meaningful Through Restoration 22:34

4M ago22:34

22:34

Are In and Out of school suspensions really changing student behavior? In this episode, Charle and Joshua answer a listener's question about how restorative practices can be used in both schools and workplaces to address misbehavior in a meaningful way. Through real stories and practical strategies, they explain how to replace outdated discipline s…

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Episode 206: Lead with HOPE - A Conversation with Dr. Brandi Kelly 28:13

4M ago28:13

28:13

In this powerful episode, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly—author, speaker, coach, and founder of Spark Hope EDU—to explore what it truly means to Lead with Hope. Dr. Kelly shares her deeply personal story that led her to develop the HOPE framework: Habits, Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence. Through her new book and nati…

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Leading with Hope When the Weight Feels Heavy with Dr. Brandi Kelly 23:27

4M ago23:27

23:27

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dr. Brandi Kelly joins Charle and Joshua to discuss her new book Lead with Hope and the powerful message behind it. Brandi shares how losing her brother at a young age shaped her journey and ignited her passion to support others through grief, trauma, and depression. Together, they explore how to lean …

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Episode 205: The Leadership Journey with Jimmy Casas 47:42

4M ago47:42

47:42

In this episode, I’m joined by Jimmy Casas—best-selling author, leadership coach, and former award-winning principal. Jimmy and I dive into his incredible journey from bar manager to one of the most recognized school leaders in the country. We unpack the power of origin stories, the traps of superhero leadership, and why leaders must know who they …

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22. Balancing Trust and Accountability with Hard-to-Reach Students 19:17

5M ago19:17

19:17

How do you hold a student accountable without damaging the fragile relationship you've worked so hard to build? In this episode, Charle and Joshua tackle a powerful listener question about navigating behavior challenges with students who struggle to trust adults. They explore practical strategies for addressing misconduct—especially when evidence i…

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Episode 204: Principal Matters with William D. Parker 44:07

5M ago44:07

44:07

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with the brilliant William D. Parker—an award-winning former principal, author, speaker, and executive coach. Will is the founder of Principal Matters, LLC and the host of Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast, with over 1.5 million downloads. Through his coaching, bo…