2Principals Podcast

2P108: Kickstarting 2025 by Prioritizing Wellbeing in Educational Leadership

In this special New Year's episode of the 2P Pod, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost discuss the importance of prioritizing mental and physical health in the educational leadership world. As they welcome listeners to 2025, they emphasize self-care strategies and share personal experiences to help principals and educators navigate the challenges of their profession. This episode is a motivational call to action, encouraging leaders to set boundaries, incorporate wellness routines, and seek community support to foster a healthier school environment. Tune in for inspiring insights and practical tips to make 2025 the year of wellbeing.
 
00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings
00:23 Upcoming Interviews and Schedule
01:36 New Year Jokes and Reflections
03:51 Raising Your Frequency in 2025
05:19 The 2P Pod and Our Mission
08:32 Random Question of the Day
11:06 Prioritizing Well-being in the New Year
11:44 The Importance of Self-Care for Leaders
12:46 Personal Stories of Neglecting Wellbeing
14:51 Strategies for Prioritizing Wellbeing
19:12 Challenges and Barriers to Self-Care
22:48 Practical Tips for Daily Wellbeing
31:53 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
 

2P107: Navigating Mental Health and Holiday Blues

The 2Principles hosts discuss the importance of mental health, particularly during the holiday season. The episode starts with a lively chat about 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,' its comedic essence, and its significance during the holidays. The conversation then pivots to a more serious topic: the struggles of mental health among educators, specifically school principals. Through the story of 'Principal Sarah,' the hosts highlight the challenges faced and coping strategies like mindfulness and support networks. They emphasize acknowledging one's feelings, setting boundaries, delegating tasks, and establishing new traditions to combat holiday stress. The show is peppered with humor, practical advice, and a grounding technique to help listeners find a moment of peace. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt message encouraging listeners to prioritize their mental well-being and seek support. The hosts wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthier, happier New Year.
00:00 Festive Greetings and Movie Talk
01:19 Technical Glitches and Raising Frequency
02:12 Connecting with Listeners and Introducing the 2P Pod
08:23 Mental Health in Education: A Principal's Journey
15:02 Statistics and Economic Impact of Mental Health
17:57 Navigating Holiday Stress for Leaders
19:10 The Pressure of Holiday Cheer
19:34 Challenges for School Leaders
20:10 Understanding and Addressing Holiday Stress
23:13 Practical Advice for Leaders
26:39 The Importance of Personal Wellbeing
28:35 Finding Joy and Connection
29:36 Embracing New Traditions
32:41 Holiday Humor with National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
39:33 Mental Health Tips and Final Thoughts

2P106: Lessons from a High School Basketball Coach Turned Motivational Speaker

In this engaging podcast episode, seasoned high school basketball coach and motivational speaker Jim Johnson shares his experiences and insights into leadership, resilience, and building championship cultures. The conversation delves into pivotal moments in Jim's career, such as coaching the inspiring Jason McElwain, his approach to developing personal mission statements, and the importance of maintaining mental health and wellness. Jim provides practical advice on balancing discipline with empathy in leadership roles and highlights the significance of continuous personal growth. This episode is filled with valuable lessons on how to foster effective leadership and create positive, impactful cultures in schools and sports teams.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
00:35 Meet Jackson: The Excitement Begins
01:22 Random Question: Swap Lives with a Historical Leader
02:31 Kevin and Jim's Leadership Inspirations
04:39 The JMac Story: A Tale of Inspiration
15:34 Developing a Personal Mission Statement
23:55 Building Championship Cultures
29:49 The Clutch Moment
30:05 The Power of Mental Imagery
30:38 Teaching Through Stories and Listening
31:55 Leadership Philosophy: Leave a Profit
32:55 Servant Leadership and Accountability
33:59 Building a Culture of Leadership
37:36 Mental Health and Resiliency
42:13 Personal Wellness Plan
46:46 Balancing Discipline and Empathy
51:14 Embracing Failure as a Path to Success
57:12 Final Thoughts and Leadership Advice
You can find out more about Jim by visiting his website: coachjimjohnson.com or by emailing him at coachjimjohnson@gmail.com

2P105: Managing Adult Behaviors in Schools - Insights from Bob Driver

In this episode, hosts Jason and Kevin welcome back Bob Driver from MASSP to discuss the importance of managing adult behaviors in schools. The conversation ranges from nostalgic childhood snacks to serious topics such as setting and maintaining expectations for staff behavior, collaboration, and communication in educational settings. Bob shares his observations on the significance of principal leadership in fostering a respectful and cohesive school environment. They also touch upon the importance of mental health support for principals and strategies to enhance community and staff morale, especially during the holiday season. In closing, practical communication tips for the end of the year are provided to ensure effective school management.
 
00:00 Welcome Back, Bob Driver!
00:44 Favorite Childhood Snacks
04:42 Managing Adult Behaviors in Schools
14:51 Building Staff Morale and Traditions
23:06 Engaging in Community and Celebrating Diversity
26:03 Recognizing and Celebrating Diversity in Schools
28:52 Addressing Community Member Behavior
30:04 Consistency in Discipline and Classroom Management
32:30 Collaboration and Communication Among Staff
40:06 Handling Staff Non-Compliance with Non-Negotiables
44:34 Mental Health and Peer Support for Principals
53:10 Effective Communication Strategies for School Leaders
54:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

2P104: The Importance of Relationships in Education with Curt Slater

In this episode of the 2P Pod, hosts welcome Curt Slater to discuss his extensive experience in the field of education and his work with Till360 Consulting. The conversation explores the profound impact of fostering personal connections in classrooms and debates the significance of academic excellence versus relational bonds. Kurt shares insights from his journey as a paraprofessional, teacher, and principal, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships to navigate educational challenges. The episode also highlights mental health strategies for educators and leaders, underscoring the necessity of maintaining personal well-being. Tune in for practical advice on creating supportive educational environments and fostering human connections.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:13 Random Question: Classroom Dynamics
01:00 Building Relationships in Education
04:12 Personal Anecdotes and Experiences
05:06 Guest Background and Journey
12:11 Founding Till 360 Consulting
15:48 Challenges and Insights in Education
27:05 Engaging Parents and Students
36:19 Advice for Aspiring Principals
38:43 Leadership Reflections and Team Dynamics
40:42 Advice for New Principals
41:08 The Role of Professional Development
41:53 Engaging PD Sessions
43:53 Challenges in Professional Development
50:46 Mental Health in Education
59:43 Personal Insights and Self-Care
01:02:50 Final Thoughts and Resources
01:12:51 Closing Remarks
Learn more about Curt by visiting his website. 

2P103: Round II with George Couros

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost interview George Couros, an experienced education leader, about the importance of lifting school leaders' spirits, the influence of great principals, and the evolving role of innovation in education. The conversation ranges from the cultural impact of Prince's music to the implications of AI and resilience in educational leadership. George also emphasizes the importance of focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses and discusses the need for educational practices that adapt to current trends while staying true to core values. The episode ends on a personal note, highlighting the importance of maintaining routines and mental health amidst personal challenges.
 
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:13 Raising Your Frequency
00:28 Walk-Up Songs and Prince Discussion
02:00 Backward Messages in Songs
06:03 Personal Chef vs. Personal Trainer
09:36 School Leadership and Principalship
11:34 AI in Education
17:10 Routines and Resilience
26:14 The Importance of Strong Leadership
26:38 Less is More in Education
37:40 Navigating Uncertainty in Education
38:00 Modeling Change as an Administrator
39:00 Empowering Teachers and Students
39:45 Challenging Traditional Education Norms
40:19 The Importance of Continuous Learning
41:10 Encouraging Critical Thinking
42:00 Rethinking College and Career Paths
48:27 Balancing Professional and Personal Life
51:37 Adapting to Educational Trends
01:10:27 Focusing on Strengths Over Deficits
01:18:11 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
 
Learn more about George Couros

2P102: Cultivating Positivity in Schools

In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost discuss the importance of maintaining positive energy as school principals. They explore challenges such as high-stakes testing and budget cuts, but emphasize the profound impact of positivity on school culture. The episode covers strategies like daily check-ins, positive reinforcement, and mindful practices, illustrating how these can improve both morale and academic performance. The hosts share personal experiences and anecdotes to highlight the transformative power of a positive environment. They also introduce a weekly challenge to inject more positivity into listeners' schools and underscore the importance of mental health.
00:00 Introduction and Weather Talk
00:54 Podcast Overview and Gratitude
01:12 Engaging with the Audience
01:57 Introducing the Hosts
04:16 Importance of Positivity in Schools
08:23 Personal Experiences and Reflections
17:16 Strategies for Positive School Culture
21:48 Weekly Challenge and Mental Health Minute
23:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

2P101: Make an Impact with National Assistant Principal of the Year Jana Clark

In this episode, the hosts interview Jana Clark, the principal of Boyd Elementary and the 2023 Texas Assistant Principal of the Year. The conversation covers a variety of topics, including Jana's journey into education, the importance of building a positive school culture, and strategies for maintaining mental health and avoiding burnout. Jana shares her daily routine, the role of her supportive husband, and her passion for fostering a thriving educational environment. The episode also touches on the significance of mentorship, leadership resources, and the importance of being authentic in one's professional and personal life.
00:00 Introduction and Initial Banter
00:24 Discussing Walkup Songs
01:32 Guest's Professional Background
02:39 Focus on Mornings Matter Initiative
05:19 Random Question of the Show
07:56 Journey into Education and Administration
16:12 Mental Health and Wellness
25:46 Comparing State Fairs
26:29 Iconic Foods at the Texas State Fair
27:20 Comparing State Fairs: Texas vs. Minnesota
28:05 Embracing Warm Weather in Texas
30:33 Navigating Work-Life Balance
37:26 Building a Positive School Culture
40:20 Addressing Burnout in Education
42:34 Role Models and Mentors
45:36 Leadership and Wellness Resources
49:46 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Find Jana on Instagram.

2P100: Prioritizing Wellbeing and Leadership

In this milestone 100th episode, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost reflect on their journey as the hosts of '2Principals Podcast. They discuss the importance of prioritizing mental health, physical health, stress management, and work-life balance, especially for school principals. The episode delves into practical strategies for maintaining wellbeing, breaking the stigma around mental health, and creating a supportive school culture. The hosts also share their personal experiences and the value of community and connection in their journey. As they celebrate this significant achievement, they encourage listeners to continue prioritizing their health and aim for many more episodes filled with valuable content.
00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration
00:52 Reflecting on the Journey
02:22 Engaging with the Audience
04:00 New Logo and Indie Podcast Beginnings
09:47 Random Questions and Secret Sauce
15:04 Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
21:58 Statistics and Impact on School Culture
23:58 The Importance of Self-Care
25:35 Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health
27:55 Time Management Challenges for Principals
29:53 Addressing the Lack of Resources
33:09 Effective Mental Health Strategies
37:06 Physical Health Tips for Busy Principals
40:37 Stress Management Techniques
42:45 Work-Life Balance Strategies
47:27 Weekly Challenge and Final Thoughts

2P99: Navigating Critical Decisions as School Principals

In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost discuss the topic tackling the significant issue of decision-making in school leadership. The episode dives into the multitude of decisions principals face daily, the emotional impact of those decisions, and strategies for effective decision-making. The show wraps up with practical advice on mental health and stress management for school leaders.
00:43 Podcast Kickoff and Episode Theme
01:57 Listener Engagement and Gratitude
06:35 Principalship Challenges and Random Questions
09:45 Secret Sauce of the Week
11:20 Mastering the Art of Decision Making
13:11 Emotional Impact of the Job
16:40 Tough Decisions in Crisis Situations
18:33 The Weight of Decision Making
20:16 Strategies for Effective Decision Making
24:04 Barriers to Decision Making
28:52 Practical Strategies for Mastering Decisions
32:23 Reflecting on Decisions
35:19 Community and Support
36:12 Mental Health and Wellbeing
37:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts