2Principals Podcast
Are you tired of feeling stressed out and overwhelmed? Do you struggle to find balance between your work life and personal life? If so, you’re not alone. Many people, especially those in leadership positions, find it difficult to maintain their overall health and well-being.
That’s where the 2Principals Podcast comes in. Hosted by Kevin and Jason, two experienced leaders in education who are dedicated to helping everyday leaders learn practical ways to live a more balanced and fulfilled life.
With each episode, we tackle a wide variety of conversations related to leadership, mental & physical health, stress management and work-life balance.
Regardless of where you are on your journey, the 2Principals Podcast has something to offer.
Check us out at 2principals.com for additional information.
Please email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com for all questions and or comments.
Episodes drop every Wednesday.
We’re incredibly grateful for our valued partner, Healthwise Behavioral Health & Wellness, a leading provider of mental health services, resources, therapy, and more. Their approach empowers individuals to thrive by addressing holistic well-being. Healthwise is grounded in a philosophy that considers the whole-person. Their comprehensive services are rooted in evidence-based science that suggests an important inter-connectedness of the mind, body, and experience. Visit behavioralhealthmn.com to learn more.
All statements made on the 2Principals Podcast represent the personal views and opinions of Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost. These statements are made solely by the individuals in their personal capacities and are not made on behalf of, nor are they affiliated with, their respective employers.
Listen on:
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Wednesday Oct 22, 2025
Join Jason and Kevin on this episode of the 2Principals Podcast as they celebrate their 150th episode with a heartfelt discussion on achieving work-life balance and enhancing personal well-being through laser-focused leadership. This episode tackles stress and burnout, especially for leaders, and offers practical tips on mindfulness, meditation, and boundary-setting to maintain presence and clarity. From celebrating milestones to coping with technology frustrations, Jason and Kevin remind listeners that challenges are temporary and resilience is key. Tune in for motivational messages, actionable strategies, and a deep dive into the importance of raising your frequency to navigate professional and personal hurdles effectively.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:52 Celebrating 150 Episodes
03:28 Weekly Pep Talk and Motivation
09:01 Staying Present and Focused
13:40 Practical Tips for Mindfulness
16:28 Sponsor Message and Personal Struggles
17:52 The Anxiety of Email Overload
18:12 The Double-Edged Sword of Impromptu Meetings
19:03 Journaling to Challenge Negative Thoughts
19:35 Modeling Presence as a Leader
19:59 Impact of Distraction on Students
20:37 Using Sound Frequencies for Focus
24:36 Healthwise Mental Health Message
25:41 The Untrained Puppy Mind
26:21 Resources for Mindfulness and Focus
28:31 The Importance of Gratitude Practices
29:47 Fun Fact: Human Attention Span
32:16 Concluding Thoughts on Focus and Presence
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
Wednesday Oct 15, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost discuss essential self-care practices and dive into practical strategies such as mindfulness, gratitude journaling, movement, setting boundaries, proper nutrition, hobbies, and quality sleep to lower cortisol levels and boost overall wellbeing. They also touch on the benefits of sound frequency (963 Hz) for raising positive energy. Additionally, the hosts share resources and motivational messages, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing oneself to lead effectively and joyfully.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life
00:28 Casual Banter and Production Meeting Recap
01:44 Weekly Therapy Session and Frequency Bracelets
03:36 Episode 149: Prioritizing Self-Care
08:53 Practical Self-Care Hacks for Leaders
14:42 Setting Boundaries for Better Balance
15:28 Sponsor Message: Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness
17:41 The Importance of Nourishment
19:27 Hobbies and Personal Joy
21:29 The Power of Sleep
24:03 Mental Health Message: Prioritizing Self-Care
25:00 Resource Recommendations for Self-Care
26:16 The Impact of Laughter and Sound Frequencies
29:48 Wrapping Up: Implementing Self-Care Hacks
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
Wednesday Oct 08, 2025
In this episode, Jason and Kevin emphasize the importance of building strong social connections with friends, family, and community to reduce stress and increase well-being. The discussion features practical advice for nurturing these relationships, including setting intentional time for interactions, engaging in hobbies, and volunteering. They highlight the significance of professional networks and provide book recommendations such as 'The Five Love Languages' by Gary Chapman and 'How to Win Friends and Influence People' by Dale Carnegie. The episode also includes a health segment sponsored by Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness, reinforcing the science-backed benefits of strong social ties.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:28 Therapy Sessions and Shoutouts
01:09 Bracelets and Mindfulness
02:51 Raising Your Frequency
04:22 Weekly Pep Talk: Motivation and Self-Improvement
10:15 Building Meaningful Connections
16:31 The Importance of Quality Connections
17:36 Engaging in Hobbies and Activities
18:54 The Power of Group Text Messaging
21:47 Nurturing Family Bonds
28:13 Expanding Community Connections
33:36 Final Thoughts and Resources
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin explore the benefits of grounding and spending time in nature to combat stress, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being. They discuss the science behind grounding, share personal stories, and offer practical tips for integrating nature into a busy schedule. The episode also highlights resources, books, and apps to help listeners get started on their journey to better mental health and higher frequency living. Special segments include a mental health message from Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness and a discussion on maintaining work-life balance as an educator and leader.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:29 Weekly Therapy Session: A Lighthearted Start
01:57 Spreading Positivity and Love
02:54 Digital Detox: Reducing Screen Time
05:12 Pep Talk: Taking Responsibility for Your Well-being
09:37 Nature's Healing Power: Grounding and Earthing
19:11 HRV Imbalance and Job Stress
20:37 Daily Routines for Grounding
22:25 Mental Benefits of Nature
23:02 Forest Bathing and Nature's Impact
25:07 Practical Tips for Outdoor Time
27:33 Visualization and Mental Health
28:29 Healthwise Mental Health Message
29:39 Raising Your Frequency with Nature
30:43 Scientific Insights on Nature Exposure
32:28 Overcoming Challenges to Outdoor Time
35:46 Resources and Final Thoughts
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost share insights on embracing new experiences, the power of resilience, and the value of evolving rather than staying stagnant. They also touch on practical tips like setting small, attainable goals, seeking new learning opportunities, and reflecting regularly. Kevin and Jason emphasize the importance of mental health, lower stress, and overall wellbeing. Tune in to discover how to move forward with energy, clarity, and purpose. 00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:28 Casual Conversation and Production Meeting Recap
01:39 Discussing Frequency Bracelets and Personal Energy
03:33 Raising Frequency and Episode Introduction
05:21 Pep Talk: Taking Control of Your Life
06:16 Challenges of Principalship and Personal Wellbeing
12:41 Evolve or Stagnate: Embracing Personal Growth
22:43 Exploring New Experiences
23:17 Embracing Humility Through New Experiences
23:50 Sponsor Message
24:28 The Value of Uncomfortable Situations
26:04 Reflecting Regularly for Self-Awareness
27:59 Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People
29:01 Accountability and Collaboration
30:36 Overcoming Fear of Failure
33:10 Hypothetical Story: Implementing a Wellness Program
35:06 Advice for Feeling Overwhelmed
35:54 Mental Health Message
38:36 Curate Your Inputs and Experiment at Work
40:54 Prioritizing Growth and Scheduling
44:49 Closing Thoughts: Evolve or Stagnate
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin discuss the critical role of empathy in leadership, particularly within the context of educational leadership. They explore the differences between empathy, sympathy, and compassion, and offer real-life examples and practical tips for incorporating empathy into daily interactions with staff, students, and parents. Through engaging stories, research-backed insights, and actionable advice, this episode aims to help leaders better manage stress, enhance connections, and foster a supportive and productive school environment. Additionally, listeners are challenged to apply these principles in their own roles and share their experiences.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:50 Tech Troubles and Team Dynamics
03:02 Raising Your Frequency with Energy Bracelets
07:40 Empathy and Compassion: The Core of Leadership
19:51 Transitioning to School Leadership
20:25 Understanding Empathy in Leadership
21:21 Self-Empathy for Principals
22:04 Sponsor Message and Parent-Teacher Interactions
24:13 Active Listening and Perspective Taking
27:37 The Power of Vulnerability
28:19 Empathy's Impact on Burnout and Performance
30:32 Empathy in Personal Relationships
32:53 Empathy Pitfalls and Boundaries
36:27 Hypothetical Scenario: Empathy in Action
39:13 Resources for Principals on Empathy
41:32 Empathy Challenge and Conclusion
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin explore strategies to elevate the quality of life by surrounding oneself with positive experiences and people. They dive into practical tips like auditing your social circle, setting boundaries, and incorporating small joyful routines into daily life. The episode includes discussions on the power of maintaining a positive environment, be it through interactions or physical surroundings, and emphasizes the importance of being proactive in cultivating positivity. Partnering with organizations like Halle Cat Designs is also mentioned as a way to add meaningful positive energy to one's life. The hosts encourage leaders to prioritize their own well-being to thrive in their roles effectively.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:28 Casual Conversation: Catching Up
00:57 Discussing August: The Toughest Month
02:50 Energy Bracelets: Boosting Resilience
05:58 Podcast Episode: Engaging the Audience
08:39 Morning Routines: Setting the Day Right
12:30 Elevating Quality of Life: Joyful Experiences
19:20 Setting Boundaries with Energy Drainers
20:49 Curating Positive Experiences
21:44 Hypothetical Stories of Positivity
25:05 Creating a Joyful Physical Environment
26:46 Making Positivity a Habit
30:57 Amplifying Joy Through Micro Experiences
34:06 Modeling Positivity as a Leader
37:40 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
In this episode, Jason and Kevin tackle the critical issue of stress and burnout among principals and leaders, offering practical strategies for achieving balance and vitality. They delve into the importance of exercise, nutrition, and rest, highlighting how these elements can lower cortisol levels and raise energy. Featuring current wellness trends like AI-driven personalized nutrition and mental health tech, the episode also shares real-world success stories and emphasizes the need for sustainable habits. Listener questions and a segment on mental health underscore the commitment to providing actionable advice for thriving in leadership roles.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:36 Production Meetings and Stress Management
02:13 Podcast Vibes and Listener Engagement
03:34 Weekly Reminder: Take Action for Change
04:51 Energy Pillar: Importance of Health and Wellness
10:21 Exercise: Foundation of Vitality
14:39 Strength Training and Flexibility
22:17 Nutrition: Fueling the Machine
26:57 Quick Tips for Reducing Sugar Spikes
27:15 Sponsor Message: Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness
27:53 The Importance of Being in Tune with Our Bodies
28:44 Healthy Snack Alternatives
29:31 The Role of Micronutrients in Stress Management
30:12 Meal Prep for Consistent Nutrition
30:55 Intermittent Fasting and Its Benefits
31:30 Gut Health and Serotonin Production
32:02 Tracking Nutrition and Its Impact on Leadership
35:27 The Importance of Quality Sleep
41:36 Incorporating Micro Breaks and Hobbies
45:27 2025 Wellness Trends for Educators
49:33 Listener Questions and Practical Advice
52:56 Healthwise Mental Health Message
54:42 Final Thoughts and Vitality Challenge
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
Wednesday Aug 27, 2025
This episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosted by Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost, delves into strategies for school principals to build unbreakable resilience. The discussion highlights the importance of confronting challenges directly, utilizing tools like the five whys to uncover root causes, and transforming setbacks with a positive mindset. The hosts share practical techniques such as box breathing, gratitude journaling, and mindfulness meditation to help leaders manage stress and maintain their well-being. They emphasize the significance of emotional intelligence, self-compassion, and social connections while offering actionable advice for turning obstacles into opportunities. The episode also features a Q&A session addressing how to rebuild resilience after burnout and handle relentless parent pushback. Personal wellness tips are provided to ensure leaders can sustain their mental health and continue to thrive in their demanding roles. \
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:28 Behind the Scenes: Prepping for the Show
02:00 Engaging the Audience: Where Are You Listening?
02:58 Motivational Pep Talk: Taking Responsibility
07:35 Building Resilience: Strategies for Principals
10:06 Mindset and Resilience: Practical Applications
17:25 Addressing Systemic Issues
17:44 Mental Health Sponsor Message
18:08 The Importance of Digging Deeper
18:34 Pro Tip: Journaling for Leaders
19:47 Box Breathing Technique
22:55 Emotional Intelligence and Resilience
23:45 Flipping Setbacks into Growth
26:37 Cognitive Reframing and Peer Support
28:36 Self-Compassion and Resilience
29:56 Mental Health Check-In
32:06 Daily Habits for Resilience
34:45 Hypothetical Scenario: Social Media Crisis
36:42 Q&A: Rebuilding Resilience and Parent Pushback
40:10 Conclusion: Resilience as a Leadership Superpower
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
Wednesday Aug 20, 2025
In this episode, hosts Jason and Kevin discuss the significance of mindfulness for leaders, particularly school principals. Feeling overwhelmed and burned out can lead to imbalances in both work and personal life. They introduce practical mindfulness techniques such as the 4-7-8 breathing method, body scans, mindful walking, five senses check-in, and journaling to help manage stress, improve focus, and lower chronic cortisol levels. Through these practices, leaders can achieve better mental clarity, emotional regulation, and overall life balance.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:29 Podcast Beginnings and Mic Check
01:19 Gratitude and Frequency Bracelets
04:39 Mindfulness and Self-Care Reminder
06:04 Understanding and Practicing Mindfulness
18:39 The Science Behind Mindfulness
20:55 Practical Mindfulness Techniques for Leaders
23:03 Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System
23:27 Breathing Techniques and Cold Plunging
23:45 The Wim Hoff Method
24:19 Guided Breathing Exercise
25:35 Using Breathing Techniques in Daily Life
26:25 Technique Two: The Body Scan
30:42 Technique Three: Mindful Walking
33:19 Technique Four: The Five Senses Check-In
36:10 Technique Five: Journaling for Thought Awareness
38:53 Integrating Mindfulness Techniques
39:19 The Importance of Consistency
41:44 Mindfulness for Leaders
45:02 Recap and Final Thoughts