2Principals Podcast

2P114: February Check-In with Bob Driver

In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost delve into fostering innovation in schools with Bob Driver, Executive Director of MASSP. They explore the significance of creating a culture of experimentation, overcoming the fear of failure, and the broader impact of school innovations. Mental health tips for principals and reminders on professional development also form key parts of the conversation. Special recognitions are given to Minnesota's Principals of the Year. Throughout, the importance of elevating leadership, energy, and ultimately the quality of education is emphasized.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction to 2P Merch
01:00 Casual Conversation and Banter
02:46 Podcast Episode Kickoff
04:20 Listener Engagement and Gratitude
05:01 Special Guest Introduction: Bob Driver
13:11 Discussion on Innovation in Education
25:45 Embracing Innovation in Education
26:22 Encouraging Teacher Expertise and Growth
27:35 Balancing Accountability and Innovation
30:47 Building a Supportive School Culture
32:24 Hope Building vs. Hope Crushing Systems
34:45 Broader Impact of School Innovations
44:47 Mental Health and Self-Care for Principals
48:44 Professional Development Opportunities
53:43 Recognizing Outstanding Principals
57:01 Final Thoughts and Key Advice

2P113: Servant Leadership and Wellness with Adam Mokelke

In this episode, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost, celebrate almost two years of their podcast with infectious energy and a focus on raising personal and professional frequencies. They discuss the importance of self-awareness and resilience in leadership. The episode features an inspiring conversation with Adam Mokelke, founding principal of Anchorage STREAM Academy Middle School. Adam shares his extensive experience in education, emphasizing servant leadership, the importance of relationships, and personal accountability. He talks about his commitment to physical fitness, particularly running, as a way to maintain mental health and overall well-being. Adam also discusses the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities and personal life, offering insights on humility, authenticity, and the power of giving oneself grace. Tune in to hear Adam's journey, his philosophy on leadership, and practical advice for educators and leaders aiming to improve their effectiveness and well-being.
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone
01:09 Reflecting on Two Years of Podcasting
02:05 Engaging with the Audience
08:26 Introducing the Guest: Adam Mokelke
10:49 Defining Leadership and Servant Leadership
16:40 The Importance of Humility in Leadership
24:19 Fitness and Leadership: A Personal Journey
28:54 The Importance of Self-Care
29:37 Outdoor Education and Recess
31:15 Running in Alaska
32:51 Choosing Your Word for the Year
37:04 Supporting Former Students
39:02 Advice for New Leaders
41:25 Mental Health and Leadership
51:41 Balancing Professional and Personal Life
57:04 Future Trends in Educational Leadership
01:01:32 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Find Adam on X

2P112: The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism

In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost discuss the essential principles of educator professionalism with guest Nason Lollar, principal at Madison Career Technical Center in Madison, Mississippi. Amidst personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, they explore topics such as maintaining personal balance, building trust through effective communication, and the importance of vigilance in school safety. The conversation delves into how educators can utilize professional development, reflection, and collaboration to foster a positive school culture. Lawler also shares inspiring stories about the impact of trust and communication on student and staff morale, highlighting the importance of personal wellness and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This episode is a heartfelt reminder of the profound trust and responsibility educators hold in shaping young lives.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Chat
00:26 Podcast Setup and Weekly Routine
01:07 Episode Milestones and Listener Engagement
02:13 Introducing the Hosts and Podcast Purpose
03:54 Website Updates and Merchandise
07:30 Special Guest Introduction
10:02 Random Question Segment
14:54 Guest's Background and Career Journey
19:14 Teaching and Learning Principles
27:14 Safety in Schools
36:54 Effective Communication in Education
42:17 An Impactful Lesson
42:51 Empathy and Personal Growth
43:32 Capitalizing on Opportunities
44:17 The Role of School Leaders
46:15 Maintaining Personal Balance
50:26 The Importance of Self-Care
54:54 Building Trust and Managing Change
01:00:03 Taking Ownership of Morale
01:11:58 Collaboration and Professional Development
01:14:10 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
Find Nason on X
Nason's Book - The Five Principles of Educator Professionalism: Rebuilding Trust in Schools

2P111: Educational Advocacy as a Leader

In this episode of the 2P Pod, Jason and Kevin, both school principals, discuss the importance of advocacy at various levels with guest Bob Driver, Director of MASSP. They explore effective strategies for principals to advocate for their schools locally, at the state level, and nationally. Key topics include the role of school principals as advocates, the significance of building relationships, and successful advocacy practices. The episode also emphasizes the importance of self-care for school principals, highlights the upcoming Winter Conference by MASSP, and celebrates National School Counselor Week. Bob provides practical advice on how principals can engage legislators and prepare for impactful advocacy efforts, shedding light on the direct benefits such engagements can bring to schools and communities.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:42 Raising Your Frequency
01:32 Welcome to the 2P Pod
02:26 Meet the Hosts
02:42 Podcast Goals and Gratitude
03:15 About the Two Principals
05:35 Introducing Bobby D.
07:53 Random Question of the Day
10:51 Advocacy in Education
14:51 Local Level Advocacy
19:19 State Level Advocacy
29:17 National Level Advocacy
32:34 Concerns About Rural Internet Access
33:03 Day at the Hill: Educators and Legislators
33:53 Mental Health Support for Educators
40:45 National School Counselor Week
43:49 Winter Conference and Professional Growth
49:00 Managing Stress and Self-Care for Principals
56:49 Advocacy and Celebrating Successes
01:03:04 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

2P110: Navigating Mental Health and Wellness with Kathryn Schuster

In this episode, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost, welcome Kathryn Schuster, a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) from, to explore the intricacies of mental health and therapy. Kathryn discusses her practice's focus on empowerment, resiliency, and various therapeutic interventions, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The conversation delves into common mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and provides valuable insights into the healing process. Kathryn also shares practical advice on managing stress, maintaining work-life balance, and the importance of having a strong support system. Additionally, the episode touches on the significance of laughter, the benefits of therapy, and the need to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Kathryn's dedication to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for her clients shines through as she offers strategies to enhance well-being and become the best version of oneself.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
01:00 The Benefits of Laughter
03:15 Podcast Introduction and Gratitude
03:48 Meet the 2Principals
08:05 Introducing Kathryn Schuster
12:55 Empowerment in Therapy
15:45 Understanding Resilience
19:21 Common Issues in Therapy
21:12 Exploring EMDR Therapy
29:29 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
33:18 Navigating Life Transitions
35:47 Misconceptions About Trauma and Healing
37:23 Addressing Secondary Trauma
38:55 Advice for First-Time Therapy Seekers
42:10 Understanding Mental Health
44:58 Balancing Work and Personal Life
46:21 The Importance of Support Systems
48:58 Practical Tips for Managing Stress
52:02 Recognizing Burnout and Seeking Help
56:36 Catherine's Personal Wellness Journey
56:52 Favorite Health and Wellness Resources
59:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Learn more about Kathryn by visiting HERE. 

2P109: Navigating Leadership, Relationships, and Personal Wellness with Bobby Pollicino

In this episode, Bobby Pollicino, an experienced educator and author, joins the hosts of the 2Principals podcast to discuss a rich tapestry of topics ranging from leadership and personal wellness to digital wellness and maintaining work-life harmony. Pollicino shares his unique journey from coaching lacrosse by to becoming a principal, highlighting how his diverse experiences have shaped his leadership philosophy. The episode delves into effective leadership practices, the importance of relationships, and maintaining mental and physical wellness through structured routines. Pollicino emphasizes the relevance of active listening, spiritual health, and the ongoing practice of self-improvement. He also addresses current educational challenges such as technology balance and the impact of AI, providing valuable insights for educators and leaders striving for continuous growth.
 
00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker
03:15 Discussing Leadership Journey
04:05 Philosophy on Leadership
06:48 Active Listening and Engagement
12:37 Balancing Meetings and Mindfulness
14:01 Writing the Book: Principled Leader
20:40 Fitness and Personal Well-being
27:34 Gratitude and Perspective
30:01 Balancing Professional and Personal Life
33:26 Work-Life Harmony: A New Perspective
36:10 Digital Wellness in Education
40:54 Future Challenges and Opportunities for Leaders
45:14 Understanding and Practicing Mental Health
52:51 Integrating Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Health
55:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for Leaders
 
Learn more about bobby by visiting the following resources:
Website
X
LinkedIn

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