2Principals Podcast

2P133: The Power of Empathy in Leadership

In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin discuss the importance of empathy in leadership, particularly for school principals. They explore how empathy can help reduce stress, prevent burnout, and build stronger connections within school communities. The episode includes practical strategies such as active listening, self-reflection, and modeling vulnerability, and emphasizes that empathy starts with self-compassion. Listener engagement is encouraged through a poll question about how leaders recharge after tough days, and the episode underscores the transformative impact of empathetic leadership on school culture and student performance.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:29 Casual Banter and Catching Up
02:07 Motivational Reminder: Take Care of Yourself
02:56 Engaging the Audience: Poll Question
04:56 Empathy vs. Sympathy: Understanding the Difference
06:01 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership
12:54 Practical Strategies for Cultivating Empathy
17:56 The Importance of Empathy in Leadership
19:12 Modeling Vulnerability as a Leader
20:19 Professional Development on Empathy
20:54 Recap of Key Strategies
22:17 Mental Health Message: Self-Compassion
23:47 The Ripple Effects of Empathy in Schools
26:23 Empathy Reduces Conflict
27:37 Empathy's Impact on Students
29:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

2P132: Curating Quality: Elevate Your Leadership and Life

In this episode of the 2Principals podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin tackle the challenges of balancing work and personal life, especially for those in leadership roles. They emphasize the importance of curating quality in three key areas: people, experiences, and environment. Through practical tips and personal anecdotes, they illustrate how to surround yourself with positive influences, schedule joyful experiences, and optimize your physical spaces to reduce stress and elevate your well-being. They also discuss the significance of lowering cortisol levels to improve mental and physical health. The episode features insights on managing negativity, fostering high-frequency relationships, and creating intentional environments both at work and at home. Tune in for actionable advice on becoming the best version of yourself while leading with energy, clarity, and purpose.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:28 Casual Conversation and Setting the Scene
02:51 Welcome to the 2P Pod
04:28 The Journey to Self-Improvement
06:37 Introducing the Nine Pillars Bracelets
12:17 Motivational Insights and Positive Thinking
15:17 Curating Quality in Leadership
23:09 Redirecting Negative Energy
24:46 Action Tips for Positivity
25:48 Curating Joyful Experiences
27:37 The Importance of Nature
30:23 Practical Steps for Self-Care
33:00 Mental Health Message: You Are Enough
34:46 Curating Your Environment
40:40 Final Thoughts and Weekly Challenge

2P131: Fueling Your Fire by Boosting Energy with Nutrition, Exercise, and Rest

In this episode of 2P Pod school principals and leaders discuss practical strategies for balancing professional responsibilities with personal wellness. They explore the importance of nutrition, exercise, and rest as foundational pillars for maintaining energy, lowering stress, and enhancing leadership effectiveness. Kevin and Jason emphasize intentional self-care habits and offer actionable tips, from planned snacks and hydration to setting a consistent sleep schedule. The episode concludes with a call to action, encouraging principals to commit to one new healthy habit for a week to improve their overall well-being.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:31 Casual Banter and Summer Vibes
01:41 Welcome to the 2P Pod
04:04 The Importance of Energy for Leaders
08:35 Fueling Your Fire: Nutrition, Exercise, and Rest
18:35 Practical Nutrition Tips for Busy Principals
19:47 Hydration Hacks for a Healthier You
21:54 Smart Snacking Strategies
24:15 Tackling Stress Eating
26:02 Incorporating Exercise into a Busy Schedule
33:43 The Importance of Rest and Sleep
40:11 Mental Health and Wellness Takeaways
 

2P130: Building Resilience

In this episode of the 2P Pod, hosts Jason and Kevin share actionable strategies for principals to build resilience, lower stress, and lead effectively. They discuss the importance of reframing setbacks as opportunities, building a support network, practicing self-compassion, and developing resilient rituals. The episode also includes personal anecdotes, practical action steps, and a mental health message emphasizing self-care and professional support. Tune in for insights on maintaining energy, clarity, and purpose in leadership roles.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:47 End of School Year Reflections
02:34 Welcome to the 2P Pod
04:38 Raising Your Frequency
11:25 Building Resilience in Leadership
22:55 Engage with Us on Social Media
23:20 Building a Support Network
31:12 The Importance of Self-Compassion
37:36 Developing a Resilient Ritual
42:48 Final Thoughts and Recap

129: Mastering Mindfulness for School Leaders

In this episode of the 2P Pod, hosts Jason and Kevin dive into the importance of mindfulness for school leaders. They discuss practical techniques like the 60-second reset, mindful listening, and the 5-5-5 breath to help principals stay focused and present amidst the chaos of a school day. The episode also covers setting boundaries, managing digital distractions, and the importance of mental health. Listeners are encouraged to integrate these mindfulness practices into their daily routines and share them with colleagues to create a more focused, productive, and healthier school environment.
00:00 Morning Coffee and Banter
01:18 Welcome to the 2P Pod
03:58 The Importance of Mindfulness
06:04 Embracing Discomfort for Growth
09:53 Mastering Mindfulness in Schools
15:11 The Power of a 60-Second Reset
15:43 Mindful Listening: A Game Changer
18:35 Technique Three: The 5x5x5 Breath
21:01 Setting Boundaries and Focus Time
23:08 Managing Digital Distractions
25:09 Anchor Objects: Staying Grounded
26:58 Prioritizing Mental Health
29:01 Wrapping Up and Listener Challenges

2P128: Nature, Connection, and You

In episode 128 of the 2Principals podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin dive deep into the last three pillars of their 2P Frequency Framework: Nature, Connection, and You. They discuss the importance of incorporating nature into daily routines, maintaining meaningful connections with others, and prioritizing personal wellness. The episode also features a mental health minute focusing on a simple, impactful practice to stay grounded. Listeners are encouraged to integrate these pillars into their lives for a happier, healthier self. Jason and Kevin also share personal anecdotes and actionable steps to help elevate one’s frequency every day.
00:00 Introduction to 2P Merch Collection
01:02 Casual Conversation and Personal Updates
02:11 Welcome to the Two Principles Podcast
03:39 Exploring the 2P Frequency Framework
09:04 Nature: The Daily Reset
16:52 Connection: The Heartbeat of Leadership
18:00 Building Connections Beyond Work
18:41 The Importance of Small Daily Interactions
19:00 Intentional Communication with Loved Ones
19:25 Following Up and Showing Care at Work
19:43 The Role of Relationships in Leadership
20:04 Mental Health and Connection
21:13 FaceTime Rituals and Family Connections
22:23 Actionable Steps for Daily Connection
23:09 Prioritizing Yourself: The Final Pillar
23:28 Daily Musts for Personal Wellness
25:21 Self-Compassion and Daily Practices
29:24 Mental Health Minute: Nature Pause
31:00 Recap and Final Thoughts
32:46 Fun Segment: Would You Rather?
34:25 Closing Remarks and Listener Engagement

2P127: Elevating Leadership and Balance with Jessica Cabeen

In this episode, Jason and Kevin are joined by Jessica Cabeen, a dynamic principal, author, and speaker. Jessica discusses the importance of balancing professional leadership with personal well-being. She shares her journey through various educational roles, offers practical tips for disconnecting from work, and emphasizes the need for self-care through routines like morning rituals and setting boundaries. The conversation inspires educators to lead authentically while prioritizing mental and physical health.
00:00 Introduction to the 2P Merch Collection
00:34 Casual Banter and Setting the Scene
03:05 Discussing the 2P Frequency Framework
09:00 Introducing the Guest: Jessica Cabeen
14:23 Jessica's Journey in Education
17:33 Balancing Leadership and Personal Life
30:12 Challenges in the Principalship
34:32 Practical Tips for Principals
35:07 Understanding Bandwidth and Setting Boundaries
35:23 Managing Phone Notifications and Cognitive Hooks
36:22 The Importance of Regulating Work Hours
38:46 Leadership Success Stories
41:27 Maintaining Mental and Physical Health
46:35 Effective Morning Routines for Principals
48:23 Handling Stress in the Moment
50:54 Building Trust and Authentic Leadership
52:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life
59:17 Disconnecting from Technology
01:01:09 Lightning Round and Final Thoughts
Learn more about Jessica by visiting her website. 

2P126: MN TRA Pension Talk Part II with Jeff Ridlehoover and Jason Savage

In this episode of the 2Principals podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin welcome Dr. Jeff Ridlehoover and Jason Savage to discuss the pressing issues surrounding pension reforms in MN education. Dr. Ridlehoover, with his extensive background in education and insight in financial analysis, sheds light on the potential financial impacts of the pension crisis. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the costs associated with veteran teachers versus new teachers and highlights the urgency of finding a sustainable solution. Dr. Ridlehoover also explains his involvement in presenting data to various educational organizations and the legislature, advocating for financial stability in schools. The episode underscores the critical need for pension reform to prevent devastating financial consequences for Minnesota's school districts and to ensure a balanced and efficient educational system.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:29 Podcast Overview and Audience Engagement
01:17 Meet the Hosts
02:44 The Importance of Consistency
03:19 Exploring the 2Principals Website
04:20 Introducing the Guests 06:22
Dr. Jeff Ridlehoover on Pension Reform
25:58 Challenges in Teacher Retirement Funding
27:59 Legislative Efforts and Hurdles
28:52 Public Misconceptions and Equity Issues
29:47 Impact on Schools and Communities
36:33 Personal Stories and Advocacy
37:35 Financial Realities and Political Dynamics
45:01 Potential Solutions and Legislative Actions
56:12 Concluding Thoughts on Political Challenges
Presentation to LCPR

2P125: Therapy Dogs Transforming Lives

In this episode, hosts Jason and Kevin of the 2Principals Podcast chat with Amy Theisen Walz, founder of the 'You're Not Alone' nonprofit organization, dedicated to mental health support through therapy dogs. Amy shares her personal journey of overcoming mental illness, the transformative impact her first therapy dog, Willow, has had on countless students, and the expansion of her organization to 50 therapy dog teams in multiple schools. The episode also highlights the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health, the chemical benefits of therapy dogs, and how her organization's policies and procedures ensure effective support in schools. Listeners are also encouraged to get involved with 'You're Not Alone' and support their initiatives.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:58 Podcast Overview and Listener Engagement
02:52 Raising Your Frequency
06:58 Guest Introduction: Amy Theisen Walls
12:19 Amy's Journey and Mental Health Advocacy
36:40 Diverse Scenarios with Therapy Dogs
40:10 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
42:47 The 'You're Not Alone' Approach
43:23 Expanding the Therapy Dog Program
46:28 Writing and Publishing Books
49:56 Visible and Invisible Disabilities
52:08 Getting Involved with 'You're Not Alone'
53:41 Future Plans and Aspirations
59:03 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks
Learn more about You're Not Alone

2P124: Unpacking the Minnesota TRA Pension

In this episode, Jason and Kevin welcome special guest Jason Savage to discuss the complexities and challenges surrounding the Minnesota Teacher Retirement Association (TRA) pension system. The conversation delves into the disparities between Tier 1 and Tier 2 pensions, the significant penalties faced by Tier 2 educators, and the lack of transparency within the system. Savage shares insights into legislative actions, union roles, and potential reforms while highlighting the broader implications for the teaching profession and educational sustainability. This episode is a must-listen for Minnesota educators striving to understand and advocate for a fairer pension system.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:14 Kevin's Race Recap
01:22 Special Episode Announcement
01:43 Welcome
02:44 Meet the Hosts
03:35 About the 2Principles
04:58 Guest Introduction: Mr. Savage
07:18 Discussion on Minnesota Teacher Pension
30:24 Teacher Retirement Challenges
30:56 Financial Traps and Retirement Options
33:52 Deferred Augmentation and Pension Penalties
34:08 Union Representation and Pension Inequities
35:45 Legal Investigations and Transparency Issues
38:59 Legislative Efforts and Political Dynamics
49:21 Call to Action for Educators
57:36 Personal Reflections and Closing Remarks
To learn more, please click HERE.