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 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
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
Wednesday Aug 13, 2025
In this episode, Jason and Kevin delve into the crucial balance between work and personal life, especially within leadership roles. They highlight the benefits of using nature and meaningful connections to lower stress levels and increase clarity and purpose. From sharing personal anecdotes about the rejuvenating power of nature walks and the importance of 'frequency bracelets' to discussing impactful interactions with parents and colleagues, the episode offers practical advice. They emphasize the significance of building relationships and evolving through shared experiences in natural settings. The podcast also features a motivational clip and a mental health message encouraging leaders to practice 'forest bathing' for mental well-being.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:27 Kicking Off the Episode with Humor and Energy
00:53 The Power of Frequency Bracelets
02:50 Motivational Insights: Taking Control of Your Life
04:45 The Importance of Nature and Connection
09:00 Personal Stories: Nature's Impact on Leadership
14:37 Nature Audit: Reconnecting with the Outdoors
15:20 Personal Growth Through Nature
15:42 Camping Stories: Boundary Waters Experience
19:31 The Power of Meaningful Connections
26:33 Real-World Examples of Nature and Leadership
29:23 Challenges and Solutions for Accessing Nature
30:52 Mental Health Message: Embrace Forest Bathing
32:52 Conclusion: Nature, Connections, and Leadership
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
Wednesday Aug 06, 2025
In this episode, Jason and Kevin delve into the importance of balancing work and personal life, particularly for those in leadership roles. They offer practical tips for enhancing physical vitality through sleep, nutrition, and movement, alongside creating quality surroundings that reduce stress and boost joy. The discussion emphasizes the significance of positive emotions and mental health, featuring motivational insights and real-life examples. The hosts challenge listeners to start small, track their progress, and adjust their environments to achieve a joyful and high-frequency life, while also promoting mental health awareness and resources.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:28 Going Live: Embracing the Present Moment
02:40 Weekly Reminder: Prioritize Your Health
03:33 Motivational Clip: The Power of Emotions
05:16 High Vibe Living: Strategies for Joy and Vitality
07:27 Physical Vitality: Fueling Your Body and Mind
15:01 Kevin's Morning Routine: The Power of Consistency
18:45 Morning Routine for Motivation
19:21 Sponsor Message: Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness
20:00 Resetting Your Day for Joy
21:24 Creating Positive Surroundings
23:42 Decluttering for a Clear Mind
25:24 Incorporating Nature for Wellbeing
26:58 Surrounding Yourself with Positive Influencers
27:59 Personal Story: Home Office Transformation
29:51 Challenge: Audit Your Space
30:28 Combining Energy and Quality for Joy
35:59 Healthwise Mental Health Message
37:50 Recap and Final Thoughts
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
Wednesday Jul 30, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin discuss the challenges of balancing work and personal life, especially for those in leadership roles. They explore the power of combining mindfulness and resilience to improve leadership effectiveness, lower stress levels, and enhance personal growth. The episode includes practical exercises for mindfulness, such as breath work, and strategies for building resilience. The hosts emphasize the importance of mental health and encourage leaders to seek support when needed. Tune in to discover how to reset your frequency and lead with energy, clarity, and purpose.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:29 Casual Chat: Summer Vibes and Meetings
02:27 Podcast Kickoff: Episode 2P 138
03:40 Weekly Reminder: Becoming Your Best Self
04:39 Main Topic: Mindfulness and Resilience
13:27 Practical Strategies for Mindfulness and Resilience
19:02 Mindfulness Exercise: Breathing for Focus
21:28 Resilience Exercise: Learning from Challenges
22:44 Combining Mindfulness and Resilience
24:59 Final Thoughts: Mental Health and Wellbeing
26:09 Conclusion: Recap and Call to Action
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
Wednesday Jul 23, 2025
In this episode, Jason and Kevin address the challenges of balancing work and personal life, especially for school leaders. They emphasize the importance of personal wellness, setting boundaries, exercise, and mindfulness. Practical tips for reducing stress hormones like cortisol through natural remedies and positive habits that raise vibrational energy are discussed. Additionally, the episode encourages prioritizing mental health, connecting with peers, and adopting routines that enhance joy and wellbeing.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:29 Casual Catch-Up and Therapy Session
02:38 Raising the Frequency: Episode Overview
03:36 Prioritizing Self-Care for Leaders
07:24 Personal Stories and Practical Tips
11:39 The Science Behind Stress and Wellness
16:32 Practical Tips for Principals
25:25 Mental Health Message and Conclusion
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
Wednesday Jul 16, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin discuss the challenges leaders face in balancing work and personal life while maintaining good mental health. They emphasize the importance of building meaningful connections to reduce stress and prevent burnout. The episode includes practical strategies such as being intentional with small moments, building a support network, and fostering authentic relationships. Additionally, the hosts share insights on the importance of mental health, urging leaders to connect with themselves and reach out for help when needed. The key takeaway is that nurturing connections can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling leadership journey.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Leadership
00:28 Casual Banter and Setting the Tone
01:34 Welcome to the 2P Pod
02:27 Weekly Reminder: Prioritizing Your Health
04:11 Building Bonds: Nurturing Meaningful Connections
05:19 The Importance of Strong Relationships
09:27 Practical Strategies for Building Connections
14:11 Mental Health Message: You Are Enough
15:28 Mental Health Matters: Seeking Support
16:16 Building a Support Network: Finding Your People
22:23 Fostering Authentic Relationships: Going Beyond Small Talk
28:45 Recap and Call to Action: Nurturing Connections
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
Wednesday Jul 09, 2025
In this episode, Jason and Kevin discuss the challenges principals face in balancing work and personal life, emphasizing the importance of incorporating nature into daily routines to reduce stress and improve mental health. The episode explores practical tips for grounding, benefiting from nature's energy, and creating new habits that can enhance leadership effectiveness. Listeners are encouraged to start small, take daily nature breaks, and integrate these practices into their professional and personal lives. The show also underscores the significance of mental health, offering resources and a challenge for listeners to spend time in nature regularly.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:28 Lighthearted Banter and Countdown Fun
01:17 Morning Routines and Personal Check-ins
02:57 Weekly Reminder: Prioritizing Health and Well-being
07:35 The Importance of Nature and Grounding
14:47 Practical Tips for Leaders to Connect with Nature
20:43 Starting Small: Finding Your Green Space
21:12 Connecting with Nature: Touch the Earth
21:54 Breathing and Mindfulness Outdoors
22:36 Personal Stories: Embracing Nature
24:54 Mental Health Message: Nature as a Necessity
28:23 Practical Tips for Incorporating Nature
37:08 The Power of Nature in Leadership
40:47 Final Thoughts and Challenges
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
Wednesday Jul 02, 2025
In this episode of the 2Principals podcast, Jason and Kevin tackle the challenges faced by leaders, especially principals, who strive to balance their work and personal lives while maintaining their health and well-being. They emphasize the importance of continual growth and provide actionable tips on managing time, overcoming fear of failure, and dealing with imposter syndrome. The hosts also delve into practical strategies for professional and personal growth, such as reflective journaling and joining principal networks. They conclude with encouragement to seize new opportunities and take small steps towards growth, while also highlighting the significance of rest and self-care.
00:00 Introduction: Finding Balance in Life and Leadership
00:53 Casual Chat: 4th of July Weekend Plans
02:53 Health and Wellness: Prioritizing Self-Care
05:56 Leadership Insights: Accountability and Growth
06:56 Motivational Clip: Leadership is a Choice
09:20 Embracing Growth: Continuous Improvement
17:33 Overcoming Barriers: Time, Fear, and Imposter Syndrome
20:03 Sponsor Message
20:27 Discussing the Evolve Bracelet
20:46 Overcoming Fear of Failure
22:37 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome
24:54 Mental Health Message: Rest and Recovery
27:37 Embracing New Opportunities
32:02 Practical Tips for Leaders
34:21 Listener Question: Starting Small
36:49 Final Thoughts and Outro
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
Wednesday Jun 25, 2025
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
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
Wednesday Jun 18, 2025
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