The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education Leaders
Are you looking for proven ideas to increase your influence, hire and develop an excellent staff, build a stronger culture, lead meaningful change, and form a strong foundation for learning and leadership success? This is the podcast for you. Whether you're a leader to seeks to refine your command of core educational strategies, learn new management techniques from those who have used them at some of the world's largest corporations, gain fresh perspectives on personal development or student success from practitioners across fields, or a little bit of everything, you'll find powerful content on The Authority. Join leadership coach, storytelling...
Dancing with Discomfort featuring Carey Borkoski - Best of The Authority
In today's "Best Of," we're going all the way back to episode 9 of The Authority with Dr. Carey Borkoski. We talked about her book Dancing with Discomfort: A framework for noticing, naming, and navigating our in-between moments.
You'll hear about:
About today’s guest
Dr. Carey Borkoski is an Associate Professor and Research Fellow in the School of Education at...
Best of The Authority: Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education with Brian Butler
Brian Butler is an educational consultant, speaker, author, and award-winning former principal who is passionate about nurturing collaborative school cultures that unlock every student’s unlimited potential. In this "Best Of," we revisit our conversation about Brian's books, Every Student Deserves a Gifted Education and Limitless Future.
Hear about:
Brian's inspiring storyWhat is a gifted education?The necessary mindset shift to plan a gifted education for every studentThe five shifts/elements to help create a schoolwide approach to nurturing each student’s unique strengths, passions, and talentsFallacy of Fixed Intelligence, Labels Be Gone, Obli...Magic in Room 216 with Andee Nunn
In more than 40 years of teaching, Andee Nunn reached over 4,000 students juggling positions as a reading specialist, English teacher, and communications adjunct faculty.
She was named the 2008 Danbury (CT) Teacher of the Year, 2008 Connecticut State Semi-Finalist Teacher of the Year, and won the 2018 NAACP Excellence in Teaching award.
Her book is Magic in Room 216: How One Teacher Came of Age and Inspired the Next Generation.
Tune into our conversation to hear about:
What is the “magic?”The risks Andee took during her teaching career...A Guide to Engaging Families with Nathaniel Provencio—Community Connections and Your PLC at Work
Nathaniel Provencio has worked in the public education field since 2001 as a classroom teacher, building administrator and associate superintendent. He is a speaker, school leadership coach, and author of Community Connections and Your PLC at Work®: A Guide to Engaging Families.
We talk about:
Why parent and family engagement are important to schools, and how it relates to PLCsHow the concepts of a PLC apply to family engagementIs connecting with families just code for more work for already overworked teachers? Engaging families who traditionally have barriers to engagementThe biggest ‘community connection fail’ Nathaniel has se...The Teacher Team Leader Handbook with Chad Dumas
Dr. Chad Dumas is a Solution Tree PLC at Work®, Assessment, and Priority Schools associate and international consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher whose primary focus is collaborating to develop capacity for continuous improvement.
His latest book is The Teacher Team Leader Handbook: Simple Habits to Transform Collaboration in a PLC at Work®.
We discuss:
Foundations and actions of teacher team leadersHow important to establish the mission of the PLC?The book has Swiss Army Knife-like tools for leaders — you don’t use them all every time you pull out the...Best of The Authority: AI with Intention featuring Tony Frontier
In this "Best Of" episode, I spoke with Tony Frontier about his book AI with Intention: Principles and Action Steps for Teachers and School Leaders (ASCD).
In one of our most popular conversations from last year, you'll hear about:
On the topic of AI and education, what is important for educators to keep in mind about what has changed and what remains the same?Tony’s greatest fear and greatest hope about how AI will change educationEssential Question: How can teachers and students use AI tools to support intentional teaching and learning?Most imp...Best of The Authority: Uncommon Greatness with Mark Miller
In our latest "Best Of" episode, I'm bringing back my second conversation with Mark Miller. Each of my episodes with Mark is worth revisiting.
Mark is a Wall Street Journal and international best-selling author, communicator, and the former Vice President of High Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A. Today, Mark serves as the Co-Founder of Lead Every Day, an extension of his life-inspired mission to encourage and equip leaders with the tools they need to be successful.
As an author, Mark has more than one million books in print in 25+ languages. His latest is Un...
The Instructional Leader in You with Danny Steele
Danny Steele worked for 31 years in education as a principal, assistant principal, teacher, coach, and assistant professor of Instructional Leadership.
In 2005, Steele was recognized as Alabama’s “Assistant Principal of the Year,” and in 2016, he was recognized as Alabama’s “Secondary Principal of the Year.”
He has written six books including two with Todd Whitaker, has presented at numerous state and national conferences, and has spoken in school districts around the country.
His new book is The Instructional Leader in You: 10 Strategies for Every School Leader.<...
The PLC Dashboard with Brig Leane
Brig Leane, former principal of Fruita Middle School in Colorado, has over 25 years of experience in education. He has been an assistant principal and has taught at the middle and high school levels in inner-city, suburban, and rural schools in California and Colorado. In 2017 and again in 2018, Fruita Middle School made the Seattle-based GettingSmart.com’s list of 85 schools in the nation that other educators should visit.
His latest book is The PLC Dashboard: Implementing, Leading, and Sustaining Your Professional Learning Community at Work.
We discuss:
How Brig de...A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice in Schools with Nicholas Bradford
In this episode of The Authority on the BE Podcast Network, I talk with National Center for Restorative Justice founder Nicholas Bradford about what restorative justice in schools really looks like beyond the buzzwords. We explore why suspensions fail to change student behavior, how restorative practices promote true accountability and community repair, and what it takes to implement these systems well.
Nicholas outlines five core pillars of school‑based restorative justice, unpacks common misunderstandings among educators and the public, and shares practical guidance on language, expectations, contracts, and follow‑through. This conversation is essential listening for school and...
Leading Educator Wellness with Bill Barnes and Erin Lehmann
Bill Barnes is the superintendent for the Howard County Public School System in Maryland. Bill was a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and has served on the board of directors for the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics.
Erin Lehmann, EdD, currently serves as an associate professor for the University of South Dakota. She is an author, leader, and facilitator, advocating for leading instructional improvement.
Today, they join the show to talk about their book, Leading Educator Wellness: Six Critical Actions to...
The Craft of Clarity with Casey Watts
My guest today is author, speaker, and podcaster Casey Watts. Casey’s book is The Craft of Clarity: Six Steps to Bridge Gaps, Foster Commitment, and Create Sustainable Alignment.
We talk about:
“Not Another Unrealistic Book of Complicated Ideas”Misaligned perspectives between teachers and leaders - living in different worlds“Clarity precedes capacity.” What does that mean for leaders?Strategy is simple. Clarity is complex. Many teams think they’re collaborating, but really they’re just coordinating. What’s the difference, and how can leaders move their people from faux collaboration to true collaboration?Whe...Impact Standards with Jeff Bradbury
Today’s guest is my friend and fellow podcaster, Jeff Bradbury. Jeff is an educator, ISTE award-winning digital learning strategist, educational broadcaster, public speaker, entrepreneur, and triplet dad. His powerful message has inspired thousands of educators through the TeacherCast Educational Network.
Jeff’s new book is Impact Standards: Designing District Systems That Power K–12 Learning.
We talk about:
Digital learning: the “have to” vs. the “want to”Is all learning digital? The Digital Learning Strategic Plan: why do we need a plan and how do we get buy-in?How instruction...Teaching Media Literacy with Social Media News (with Roy S. Whitehurst)
Roy S. Whitehurst is a former CIA analyst and instructor. He spent 30+ years evaluating written information, photos, videos, and other media collected by the CIA and taught media literacy skills to new CIA analysts.
He’s the author of Teaching Media Literacy with Social Media News: Practical Techniques for Middle and High School Classrooms.
We talk about:
Some of the types of media to evaluate and what makes them challengingVelocity of informationDisinformation, misinformation, malinformationEvaluation skillsIs media literacy scalable?Do people want to be informed?What makes Roy optimistic and...The Schools Our Students Deserve with Mario Acosta
Dr. Mario Acosta spent 20 years of his educational career as a teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, academic director, and principal leading schools with diverse profiles.
He was named the 2022 Principal of the Year in the state of Texas while he was the principal at Westwood High School, a U.S. News & World Report top-50 campus and member of the High Reliability Schools (HRS) Network.
His latest book is The Schools Our Students Deserve: A Comprehensive Framework for Shaping Exceptional School Culture.
We discuss:
W...Comfort Override with Ranan Lachman
Ranan Lachman is a transformation expert with a BA in Computer Science and an MBA who has reinvented himself across radically different worlds — jet-fighter co-pilot, management consultant, Wall Street investment banker, and CEO of multiple technology companies.
He lives what he teaches, having relocated to four countries across four continents and even circled the globe for a year with his family while managing a startup.
Ranan is currently founder and CEO of Better Speech. We discuss his work with Better Speech and his book, Comfort Override: Future-Proof Your Life as...
Creative Cross-Pollination with Brian Collins, former Disney Imagineer
As a Walt Disney Imagineer, Brian helped create the stories and magic for some of the world’s most beloved attractions. Over the past 35 years, he has produced work for a who’s who list of corporations, as well as small entrepreneurial ventures.
Now, as a sought-after Innovation Consultant through his practice known as The Brainstorm Institute, he works with both large and small companies to help them gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.
Currently, he is a full-time instructor at the University of Central Florida’s Rosen College...
Brain Glue with James I. Bond — How to Make Ideas Stick
James I. Bond is one of America’s leading behavioral management specialists. He joins the show to talk about his book Brain Glue, which was named a 2023 Best Business Book finalist by Publishers Weekly.
We discuss:
How selling becomes much easier by making your ideas “sticky” The desire to connect with others and make your ideas connectThe science of persuasionUnderstanding the way people learn about ideasThe power of humorAbout the host
Ross Romano is a co-founder of the Be Podcast Network and CEO of September Strategies, a coach...
One for the Authors: Writing and Promoting Your Book with Mitch Weathers
Mitch Weathers is an educator, author of the bestselling book, Executive Functions for Every Classroom, and the founder of Organized Binder. He returns to the show to share tips for authors, especially how to launch and promote your book.
We talk about:
Starting to plan for a book launchKnowing why you want to writeIt doesn’t matter how valuable your book is if nobody knows it existsThe book as a marketing vessel: how does it open doors?Use your network to your advantageWhat makes promoting a book different from promoting your business?How to...Pop Culture Literacies with Mia Hood
Across two decades in education, Mia Hood has served in a variety of K-12 roles, including classroom teacher, instructional dean, and, most recently, regional director of literacy.
Currently, she designs curriculum for schools and nonprofits and teaches literacy and secondary education at the City University of New York and professional writing at New York University.
Mia joins the show to talk about her book, Pop Culture Literacies: Teaching Interpretation, Response, and Composition in a Digital World.
We discuss:
Defining pop culture todayHow pop cu...Science of Reading with Lacey Robinson of UnboundEd
Lacey Robinson is president and CEO of UnboundEd. A former teacher, principal, and professional development specialist who has focused on literacy, equity, and school leadership for more than 25 years, her life’s work aims to enable educators to disrupt systemic inequities in their school districts and classrooms.
She frequently serves as a featured keynote speaker, and her personal literacy journey is shared on Emily Hanford’s “Sold a Story” podcast. Today we’re discussing the science of reading:
If we've known for decades about the science of reading, and its effectiveness as a model for...Relational Intelligence with Rachel Edoho-Eket
Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket has earned a reputation as a strong instructional leader, passionate educational advocate, and dedicated mentor. As the Principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland, she is a lifelong learner who strives for excellence not only for herself, but also for everyone she serves.
Today, she joins the show to discuss Relational Intelligence: The Key Factor to Exceptional School Leadership.
We discuss:
Relational Intelligence (RQ): the ability to build trust, communicate with empathy, and connect authentically How is RQ different from EQ?Why Trust is...Trusted with Jen Schwanke
This week we welcome back Jen Schwanke, who previously joined the show to discuss The Principal’s Guide to Conflict Management.
Jen has been an educator for almost three decades, teaching or leading at all levels. She currently serves as a deputy superintendent in Ohio, is an instructor in educational administration at The Ohio State University, and is the co-host of the popular Principal Matters Podcast with our previous guest Will Parker (listen to his episode here).
Jen’s newest book is Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secre...
Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? with Will Parker
Today’s guest is likely quite familiar to our audience here. Will Parker is host of Principal Matters: The School Leader's Podcast, with more than 1.5 million downloads to date.
An Oklahoma educator since 1993, Will won a teacher of the year award in 1998, was named Oklahoma Assistant Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary Principals in 2012, was principal of a Title I school, and served as executive director of the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals and the Oklahoma Middle Level Education Association for six years.
His new...
De Facto Leaders: How to Create a Research-Based Executive Functioning Implementation Plan for Your School Team
Today I'm pleased to share an episode from my friend Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, a previous guest on The Authority and host of De Facto Leaders, a popular show on the Be Podcast Network.
Ever feel like your school is trying all the “right” strategies—social skills groups, planners, behavior charts—but students still struggle with time management, motivation, and peer relationships?
You’re not alone—and there’s a reason why, says Dr. Karen.
This episode is a clip from her free training, “Create a Research-Based Implementation Plan for your School Team.”
It’s designed for...
The Force Multiplier with Tony Chatman
For over 20 years, Tony Chatman has partnered with some of the most successful organizations in the world—including Chase Bank, the U.S. Secret Service, Phillips 66, Clear Channel, and St. Joseph’s Health. He specializes in bridging differences in perspectives, communication styles, and experiences by addressing the universal need we all share: to feel valued and seen.
As a scientist and chemical engineer, as well as a husband, father, and former leader of a nonprofit dedicated to community upliftment, Tony combines intellect with humanity. He is equal parts head and heart.
...
Make Every Podcast Want You with Kimberly Spencer
Kimberly Spencer is an award-winning high-performance, trauma-informed coach and trainer, Amazon best-selling author, TEDx speaker, and the founder of CrownYourself.com, helping visionary leaders transform their self-limiting stories, build their empire, stand out fearlessly, and make the income and the impact they deserve.
Her book is Make Every Podcast Want You: How to be so Radically Interesting You'll Barely Keep from Interviewing Yourself.
We talk about:
Why should leaders want to be on podcasts?What matters when deciding which shows to target?How to find the right showsHow...The Language of Behavior with Charle Peck and Josh Stamper
My guests Charle Peck and Josh Stamper are co-authors of The Language of Behavior: A Framework to Elevate Student Success, winner of the 2025 Firebird Educational Book Award.
We talk about:
Like our last episode with Dr. Bill Penuel, co-author of Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities, this book also refers to a compassionate approach to school culture and student behavior. Discussing student behavior as a form of communicationTrauma-informed framework, 3 core tenets: Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, Respond with IntentionalityHow improving student behavior with this framework affects other areas, like a...Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities with Bill Penuel
Dr. William Penuel is Distinguished Professor of Learning Sciences and Human Development in the Institute of Cognitive Science and School of Education at the University of Colorado Boulder.
He is co-author of Creating Compassionate Change in School Communities: Leading Together to Address Everyday Suffering in Schools. We talk about:
Why does compassion matter for educators?How is compassion different from empathy, kindness, and relationship-building?How school leaders and educators can put compassion and dignity into actionEveryday suffering in schools - how can and should educators work to reduce it?Fostering inclusivenessRelationships with families4 s...Breakfast Wine with Alex Poppe
Blending memoir, personal essay, local topography, and culture, Alex Poppe’s Breakfast Wine is a frank, human story of pursuing an unconventional life and finding a way home.
Alex is a business analyst, turned actor, turned teacher who accepted a teaching position in northern Iraq after a chance encounter with an acclaimed journalist. In this episode, you’ll hear her stories and learn what it was like to teach in conflict and post-conflict zones, including during the COVID-19 pandemic — and you’ll find out it was much different than you think.
Get B...
Well Spoken with Erik Palmer
Today’s guest, Erik Palmer, is an educational consultant from Denver who focuses on showing teachers practical, engaging ways to teach oral communication skills, and showing educational leaders how to be more effective communicators.
He’s the author of several books, including Well Spoken: Teaching Speaking to All Students, 2nd Edition (Routledge).
We discuss:
Defining modern, effective oral communication todayWhat most teachers struggle with, when it comes to teaching speakingWhat is uniquely important about learning speaking? How does it expand on/reveal other skills?Building a Speech: Audience, Cont...Best of The Authority: UDL Now! with Katie Novak
To close out May, I'm happy to highlight another Best Of episode with three-time guest Katie Novak. This was our first conversation, about her best-selling book UDL Now!
We talked about:
“If UDL is the answer, what is the question?”Who should be doing UDL?UDL is best practice: “Teachers are working too hard to not have a greater impact on learners.”Understanding the similarities and differences between UDL and differentiated instruction (DI) — and why teachers should be doing bothThe three core beliefs of UDL: variability, firm goals, and expert learningWhat is the right amount of student vo...Find Your Yay with Matthew Rolnick
Today’s episode wraps up our four-part series on communication and finding your voice. My guest is Matthew Rolnick.
Matt is SVP of Partnerships & Events for The Real American Beer Company and former VP of Strategy & Innovation at Yaymaker. He’s an Amazon bestselling author, speaker, LinkedIn 2023 Top Entrepreneurship Voice, and a Udemy Instructor for 135k students.
Matt is author of Find Your Yay.
We discuss:
Find your voice and grow your brand on social media — who should do it?Defining a personal brandT...THE Book on Storytelling with Michael Davis
Today is part 3 of our miniseries on communication. My guest, Michael Davis, works with business owners, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who struggle to effectively give presentations. He helps them increase their confidence, influence, and impact with more impactful presentations every time they stand up and speak.
Michael's expertise in communication is rooted in the belief that all business problems stem from communication issues. If your organization aims to improve leadership, team collaboration, and overall effectiveness, then Michael's approach can deliver these results.
Michael is founder of Speaking CPR and...
The Confident Presenter with Ryan Millar
This week, we’re continuing our miniseries on finding your voice and increasing your influence as a leader.
My guest is Ryan Millar, a Canadian-born, Amsterdam-based coach, story trainer, and communications consultant.
All of his work draws heavily on his 25+ years as an improviser. Ryan got his start in Vancouver BC in the late ‘90s with !nstant Theater, and has worked with Boom Chicago and toured Europe teaching and performing at festivals.
His latest book, on the art of public speaking, is called The Confid...
Speaking to Influence with Laura Sicola
This week, we’re starting a four-episode miniseries on finding your voice and increasing your influence as a leader.
My guest to kick it off is Dr. Laura Sicola, a leadership communication and influence expert, and a renowned speaker, former bilingual K-12 teacher and university professor who holds a PhD in educational linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania.
With over 20 years of experience, she has coached TED speakers, delivered her own TED talk with over 7 million views, and appeared in major media outlets. Her clients include notable organizations like Com...
Small But Mighty with Miriam Plotinsky
Miriam Plotinsky is a National Board–certified teacher with additional certification in administration and supervision. She’s currently an instructional specialist with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland.
She’s the author of several books, including Small but Mighty: How Everyday Habits Add Up to More Manageable and Confident Teaching (ASCD).
We talk about:
Why Miriam wanted to write a book about "small but mighty" teaching practicesPhyllis Fagell said about the book, "Small but Mighty is an indispensable guide for any teacher who ever wished that doing the imposs...Teacher by Teacher with John King
Episode 150 of The Authority is a special one. I’m joined by Dr. John B. King, Jr., the 10th U.S. Secretary of Education.
John is currently the chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY), the nation’s largest comprehensive system of public higher education. Over the course of his career in public education, he has been a high school social studies teacher, a middle school principal, the first African American and Puerto Rican to serve as New York State Education Commissioner, a college professor, and the president and CEO of the Educa...
Neurodiversity-Affirming Schools with Emily Kircher-Morris and Amanda Morin
This week I welcome Amanda Morin and Emily Kircher-Morris to the show.
Amanda is a neurodivergent neurodiversity activist, an award-winning author, early childhood specialist, certified teacher, and nationally known speaker, deeply committed to fostering accessible and inclusive environments for neurodivergent individuals.
Emily has dedicated her career to transforming how we understand and support neurodivergent minds. As a licensed professional counselor, educator, and thought leader, she brings a unique blend of clinical expertise and lived experience to her work with neurodivergent individuals.
Their book is N...
AI with Intention featuring Tony Frontier
Today’s guest, Tony Frontier, is an award-winning educator who works with teachers and school leaders nationally and internationally to help them prioritize efforts to improve student learning. He’s the author or co-author of several books, including Teaching with Clarity and Five Levers to Improve Learning.
We discuss his latest, AI with Intention: Principles and Action Steps for Teachers and School Leaders (ASCD).
Hear about:
On the topic of AI and education, what is important for educators to keep in mind about what has changed and what rema...