LEAP Into Wellness Podcast Network

Head Custodian Travis Moran on Early Mornings, Teamwork, and Caring for La Grande Middle School

On the La Grande School District podcast, hosts Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter talk with Travis Moran, head custodian at La Grande Middle School, about his role, routine, and approach to supporting students and staff. Scott shares he is visiting a third-grade class at Greenwood to teach social studies. Travis explains he has been in the job 11 years after leaving a stressful career as head chef at Mamacita’s, and notes he and his wife (also at the middle school) will celebrate 20 ye...

Building Connections Through the Middle School Library: Clubs, Battle of the Books, and Student Support with Margaret Spence

Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter welcome La Grande Middle School librarian Margaret Spence, who shares her path from Youth in Transition liaison (McKinney-Vento) to kindergarten para, behavior interventionist, and then librarian. Spence describes expanding the library into a hub for students by launching clubs such as Chess Club, Art Club (maker-style projects), and a monthly “choose your own book” book club with a tea-party format. She restarted Oregon Battle of the Books at the middle school, leading a team to w...

Matt Wolcott on Teaching, Coaching, and Finishing the School Year Strong in La Grande Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter host the Turning Point Podcast with guest Matt Wolcott, a 26-year La Grande School District educator who currently teaches high school physical education and health. Wolcott discusses additional work including teaching an officiating course to recruit young officials and helping launch the district’s driver’s education program after the regional program ended, ensuring compliance with ODOT. He outlines his coaching history as a head coach in wrestling, football, and track (now in his sixth year), and talks about the chal...

Springtime in the Front Office: A School Secretary’s Role at Island City

On a Friday morning Turning Point Podcast episode, the hosts talk with Island City head secretary Ms. Perry (with Mr. Carpenter) about her path from office administration work to stay-at-home parenting, then returning to school as a para and eventually becoming head secretary. They discuss the springtime rush in a school office, including field trips, awards, state testing, kindergarten roundup, year-end rollovers, Q files, and ordering supplies, while also planning the next school year. Mr. Carpenter describes how administrators and office staff manage overlapping sc...

Turning Point Podcast: Clarifying Essential Standards and Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction Through PLC and RTI Work Host Brett Smith and assistant superintendent Scott Carpenter of the La Grande School District are joined by fourth-grade teacher Justin and visiting Solution Tree facilitator Eric from Arizona to reflect on district training focused on RTI, PLCs, and strengthening Tier 1 instruction. Scott explains the district’s shift from feeling overwhelmed by intervening on everything to prioritizing essential standards and realigning Tier 2 supports after attending an Idaho Falls RTI conference and bringing Eric to train staff. Justin shares his transition from 12 years in kindergarten to fo...

In this episode of FIT to Teach, host Kyle Pfaffenbach (associate professor at Eastern Oregon University and director of the EOU Lab for Exercise Assessment and Performance) and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen welcome guest Dr. Alysia Cohen (EOU health and human performance faculty member, certified athletic trainer, Olympic lifting coach, and strength and conditioning certified) to discuss resistance training across the lifespan. Cohen shares her career path through athletic training, teaching, burnout, research, and returning to EOU, with work spanning high schools, colleges, and professional sports (including rodeo). The conversation emphasizes that while training should be individualized, foundational movement...

On a Valentine’s Day special of the Turning Point Podcast, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Smith are joined by their wives, Julie Carpenter and Kirsten Smith, to discuss what it’s like to build a family life around careers in education. Julie shares how she once said she’d never marry an educator, then reflects on Scott’s progression from teaching to administration, the growing pains of each role, and how school events, student activities, and athletics became family time. She describes teaching piano lessons, accompanying choir, and how their daughters Megan and Kaylee felt at home in the school c...

In this episode of FIT to Teach, Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, an associate professor at Eastern Oregon University and the director of the EOU Lab for Exercise Assessment and Performance (LEAP), and LEAP intern Cole explore the intricacies of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). They delve into the benefits, functionality, and practical use of CGMs for monitoring health and wellness, particularly for teachers. Highlighting their new checkout program, they discuss the technological advancements that have made CGMs more accessible and useful. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how different foods and activities can affect blood glucose levels. Additionally, the importance...

Navigating School Finance with Melissa Reagan - In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, host Brett Smith sits down with Assistant Superintendent Scott Carpenter and Melissa Reagan, the business director for La Grande School District. Melissa discusses her 18-year journey within the district, from starting as a fiscal officer to becoming the business manager. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of managing school finances, including handling different grants, budgeting surprises, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with the school's mission to support students and staff. Melissa shares insights on the balance between maintaining financial stability and...

Introducing the Wearable Checkout Program for Teachers - In this episode of FIT to Teach, co-hosts Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach from Eastern Oregon University and intern Cole Jorgensen discuss their new wearable checkout program designed to help teachers monitor and improve their health and wellness. They highlight various wearable devices such as the Oura Ring for sleep and activity tracking, continuous glucose monitors for real-time blood sugar levels, and portable heart rate variability sensors for stress management. The program, initiated in response to feedback from district wellness champions, allows educators to borrow these tools to make data-driven decisions about their...

In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, host Brett Smith and Assistant Superintendent Scott Carpenter welcome kindergarten teacher Michelle Net from Island City School. The conversation explores Michelle's unconventional path to becoming a teacher, her methods for creating a fun and engaging classroom environment, and the importance of building strong relationships with students and their families. Michelle shares her strategies for fostering student engagement through songs, mnemonics, and positive reinforcement. She also offers advice for new teachers entering the profession. The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching, underscoring the impact of dedicated educators on student success.<...

Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviors in Children: Insights and Strategies In this episode of 'FIT to Teach,' hosted by Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach and intern Cole Jorgensen, the discussion centers around translating evidence-based health and wellness research into practical applications for teachers and school employees. The episode explains the delay in recent content due to technical difficulties and emphasizes the importance of modeling and creating a supportive environment for healthy eating in children. The conversation also includes a deep dive into two significant research articles on healthy eating for children, covering parenting styles, food availability, and effective strategies for introducing...

In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, hosts Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter are joined by Cody Eby, an HR extraordinaire, to discuss the intricate role of HR in educational environments. The conversation touches on Cody's journey to her current position in the Grande School District and explores the unique challenges of HR in schools, including compliance with federal and state laws, recruitment, and staff wellness. Cody shares insights into the diverse and dynamic responsibilities of her role, highlighting the importance of supporting both staff and students. The discussion also emphasizes the significance of maintaining a supportive and...

Thriving Through the Holidays: Tips for Teachers - In this episode of 'FIT to Teach', host Dr. Kyle, an associate professor at Eastern Oregon University, and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen discuss evidence-based health and wellness information tailored for teachers and school employees, focusing specifically on holiday season wellness. They talk about the impact of holiday eating on weight gain, citing a 2017 research paper that reveals the six weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas can account for more than 10% of annual caloric intake and about 50% of annual weight gain. The discussion emphasizes the importance of mindful eating, including strategies like pausing...

"Sleep Hygiene and Chrono Nutrition: Enhancing Educator Health"

In this episode of FIT to Teach, host Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach and LEAP intern Cole discuss the importance of sleep hygiene and circadian rhythm on health and wellness for educators. They delve into a research paper from Italy on 'Chrono Nutrition,' which highlights how the timing of meals and nutrient intake can impact our biological clock. Key topics include the role of insulin and sleep in nutrition, the genetic basis of different sleep patterns, the concept of social jet lag, and practical tips for maintaining a healthy routine...

In this episode of FIT to Teach, host Dr. Kyle, an associate professor of Health and Human Performance, and intern Cole, delve into personalizing exercise and nutrition for health and wellness. They discuss the importance of finding individualized exercise routines, the benefits of variety in workouts, and how different people respond to different fitness programs. Additionally, they highlight the role of supplements such as creatine and vitamin D in maintaining muscle mass and overall health. The conversation includes practical advice on incrementally adjusting exercise and diet plans to suit one's unique biological responses and fostering long-term healthy habits.

In this edition of The Turning Point Podcast, host Brett Smith along with Mr. Carpenter welcomes two new assistant principals, Caleb Patterson and Steve Collins, to discuss their journeys in education and their initial experiences at La Grande School District. The conversation highlights their backgrounds, motivations for entering education, and the lessons they've learned as new administrators. The guests share insights into the importance of consistency, gathering all necessary information before making decisions, and building strong relationships with both students and staff. The episode underscores the dynamic nature of administrative roles in education and the value of integrating into...

Understanding Insulin Beyond Blood Sugar Regulation: Insights and Practical Tips

In this episode of FIT to Teach, Associate Professor Kyle Pfaffenbach from Eastern Oregon University and LEAP intern Cole delve into the multifaceted role of insulin beyond glycemic control. They discuss the research paper 'Understanding Insulin Actions Beyond Glycemic Control: A Narrative Review,' explaining the diverse implications of insulin on growth, fat storage, reproductive health, and insulin sensitivity. Key topics include the significant impact of exercise and nutrition on modulating insulin, effective dietary strategies to manage insulin spikes, and emerging therapies for improving insulin sensitivity. The...

In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, host Brett Smith and assistant superintendent Scott Carpenter are joined by fourth-grade teacher Justin and special guest Eric from Solution Tree. They discuss their professional journeys and the impact of attending an RTI conference. Key topics include the importance of clarity in education, the value of teamwork, and strategies for effective professional learning communities (PLCs). The conversation highlights the day's training, focusing on proactive prevention and tier one instruction for improving student achievement and school culture.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:40 The Journey to Effective Education

01:46 Personal...

In this episode of FIT to Teach, host Dr. Kyle and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen discuss the importance of sleep for teachers' health and wellness. They revisit key insights from the previous episode on self-care and delve into Dr. Matthew Walker's research paper, 'Sleep Loss and the Socioemotional Brain.' They highlight the biological and psychological consequences of sleep deprivation, discuss strategies to mitigate its effects, and explore various sleep stages, including REM and non-REM sleep. The conversation also touches on practical tips for balancing work, self-care, and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule. Updates on the podcast's availability on...

In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, host Brett Smith chats with Assistant Superintendent Scott Carpenter and Superintendent George Mendoza about starting the school year, their preparations over the summer, and the importance of teamwork and leadership in education. The discussion includes updates on current projects like the RTI summit, thoughts on maintaining a positive school culture, and the recent honor of Superintendent of the Year awarded to George Mendoza. The episode wraps up with reflections on financial planning and the evolving educational landscape.

00:00 Welcome to the Turning Point Podcast

00:38 Exciting Week Ahead: RTI...

In this episode of 'Fit to Teach', hosts Kyle and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen discuss the importance of self-care for teachers and school employees based on evidence-based health and wellness information. They focus on a recent research paper titled 'Teachers on Self-Care' from the OMB Integrative and Complementary Medicine Journal. The paper explores the benefits of self-care, the barriers teachers face, and practical strategies for implementing self-care routines. Key topics include the importance of boundaries, the role of community, and actionable self-care practices like spending time in nature, exercise, and mindful breathing. The hosts emphasize the goal of accumulating...

Navigating Middle School Success: Insights from Educators.

In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, hosts Brett Smith, Scott Carpenter, and special guest Chris Wagner discuss the dynamics of managing a middle school. They share insights into the unique challenges and rewards of running secondary schools, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Chris Wagner, the middle school principal, recounts his journey from fire dispatch to education and highlights various successful initiatives under his leadership. These include the Wildcat Academy, the PBIS model, and the introduction of advanced classes and sixth grade football. The conversation also...

In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, Brett Smith hosts assistant superintendent Scott Carpenter and Dr. Maddie Koenig, principal of Greenwood Elementary. They discuss the intricate preparations required for a smooth start to the school year, focusing on the frantic summer months leading up to the first day of school. Dr. Koenig shares her journey to becoming a principal and her love for Greenwood. The guests delve into the complexities of school schedules, the challenges of having limited preparation time with staff, and the processes of class placement. Highlights include the significance of setting a positive tone with...

In the final episode of the Fit to Teach podcast, Edgar and Nathan, interns at the LEAP Lab, offer insights into the importance of balance in life. They discuss maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper habits like protein consumption, sleep hygiene, and engaging in diverse physical activities. They emphasize that while discipline is necessary for healthy living, indulgences during vacations and breaks are important for mental well-being. Topics covered include finding new hobbies, the benefits of rest, and the importance of varied stimuli for overall fitness. The episode reflects on key lessons from the past year and encourages listeners...

In this episode of FIT to Teach, hosts Nathan Marshall and Edgar Romero, both senior exercise science students, discuss the differences between intuitive eating and calorie tracking. They emphasize the benefits of focusing on macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—over simply counting calories. Key points include the recommended daily protein intake based on physical activity levels, strategies for including enough protein in meals, and the importance of fats and carbohydrates for overall health. The episode also covers mindful eating habits, such as shopping on the perimeter of grocery stores, eating slowly, and being more conscious of portion sizes. They conc...

In this episode of Fit to Teach, host Nathan Marshall and guest Edgar Romero discuss various approaches to recovery for athletes and active individuals. They cover essential recovery techniques like proper sleep, nutrition, and foam rolling. They also delve into more specific methods such as recovery shakes, balanced meals post-workout, and the use of massage guns and normatec boots. The conversation emphasizes the importance of dynamic warmups and static cooldowns to prevent injury and improve performance. Additionally, Nathan and Edgar address the use of saunas and ice baths, explaining their potential strain on the body and advising to treat...

In this episode of FIT to Teach, Kyle Pfaffenbach, an associate professor at Eastern Oregon University, and LEAP intern Nathan Marshall discuss the importance of proper nutrition around exercise. They cover pre-workout meal timing, highlighting the optimal times to consume carbohydrates to enhance performance and avoid sluggishness. They also delve into intra-exercise nutrition, recommending simple sugars and sports drinks to maintain energy levels. Post-exercise nutrition emphasizes the importance of protein intake for recovery. The aim is to build sustainable healthy habits by trying different nutritional strategies each week. Listeners are encouraged to send in questions and participate in wellness...

In this episode of Fit to Teach, hosts Kyle Pfaffenbach and Nathan Marshall, discuss the role and effectiveness of dietary supplements for health and wellness. The hosts provide an overview of the supplement industry, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet before resorting to supplements. They discuss well-known supplements such as creatine, vitamin D, fish oil, and magnesium, examining their benefits, safety, and effectiveness based on scientific studies. The conversation highlights how supplements can support overall health, especially in aging populations, and addresses common misconceptions about creatine related to weight gain and hydration. The session concludes with advice on...

In this episode of FIT to Teach, hosts Kyle Pfaffenbach and Nathan Marshall have an in-depth discussion about caffeine—its benefits, optimal consumption methods, forms, and its performance-enhancing properties. They also touch on the marketing tactics of energy drink companies and offer practical advice for safe and effective caffeine use.

In this episode of Fit to Teach, Kyle Pfaffenbach and Nathan Marshall discuss their personal fitness routines and the importance of balancing activity and rest, especially during spring break. They emphasize the need for educators to use breaks to reset and recharge, avoid overambitious plans, and incorporate achievable health and wellness actions into their routines. They also share their own plans for spring break, stressing the importance of enjoying the present moment and allowing for adequate rest. Tips include integrating variable fitness activities and listening to one's body to maintain long-term wellness.

In this episode of Fit to Teach, hosts Nathan Marshall and Kyle Pfaffenbach welcome Jake Chamberlain, a gym teacher at Central Elementary School in La Grande and an alum of Eastern Oregon University's Health and Human Performance program. The discussion covers the importance of combining weightlifting and running for balanced fitness, how to engage children in physical education, and the value of building personal relationships with students. Jake emphasizes the significance of creating a positive and inclusive environment in PE classes and shares his own routines and strategies for maintaining personal wellness. The conversation also highlights the challenges of...

Hosted by Brett Smith, the Turning Point Podcast features a discussion with Scott Carpenter, Jess Roberts, and Jeff Roberts, highlighting their roles and experiences in the Grand School District. The conversation covers a range of topics including Scott's implementation of a March Madness-inspired attendance competition, Jess's journey from technology to teaching math, and Jeff's transition from business to IT in education. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of collaboration among different departments within the school district. The episode also underscores the significance of social-emotional learning and community involvement...

In this episode of 'Fit to Teach,' host Kyle Pfaffenbach and LEAP intern, Nathan Marshall, delve into the significance of sleep and its impact on health and productivity. Kyle recounts his recent travels to New York City for a professional track and field championship, highlighting how busy schedules can disrupt normal routines and overall wellness. The discussion centers around the book 'Why We Sleep' by Matthew Walker, emphasizing the biological and physiological aspects of sleep, circadian rhythms, and sleep hygiene practices. They stress the importance of consistent sleep patterns and offer actionable tips for improving sleep quality, particularly...

In this episode of 'Classroom to Calm,' host Nathan Marshall, a senior at Eastern Oregon University, takes a break from the usual research paper discussions to introduce his close friend, Edgar Romero. Edgar, also a senior at Eastern Oregon University and a soccer player, shares his insights on nutrition, exercise, and wellness. The conversation covers topics such as protein intake, intuitive eating, balancing weight training and cardio, and the significant role of recovery in maintaining peak performance. Edgar emphasizes the importance of individualized fitness approaches, staying adaptable, and finding enjoyment in new forms of exercise. The podcast concludes...

In 'Fit to Teach', host Kyle Pfaffenbach and LEAP intern Nathan Marshall, discuss health and wellness topics specifically tailored for teachers and school employees. The focus of this week's episode transitions from research papers to practical health topics, emphasizing the importance of understanding blood sugar and insulin's role in the body. They explore how carbohydrate intake affects blood sugar levels and insulin release, the potential health impacts of insulin resistance, and offer actionable tips on managing blood sugar spikes through mindful eating and balanced nutrition. The discussion touches on the importance of protein intake and avoiding mindless snacking to...

In this episode of Fit 2 Teach, Kyle Pfaffenbach, Associate Professor and Director of the LEAP lab at Eastern Oregon University, and intern Nathan Marshall discuss the concept of polarized training. Building on last week's theme, they explore the benefits of engaging in a variety of athletic activities, referred to as polarized training in Europe. The episode also dives into a significant study on polarized training by Norwegian scientists, who tested its effectiveness on high-level athletes. Emphasizing the importance of mixing training stimuli, Kyle and Nathan highlight practical advice like performing cardiovascular activities before resistance training and ensuring diverse workouts...

In this episode of the Turning Point podcast, hosts Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter are joined by Teresa Dowdy, a school counselor with 35 years of experience. The discussion revolves around Teresa's journey from business teacher to school counselor, and her impactful role in the school district.

In this episode of Fit 2 Teach, Hosts Kyle Pfaffenbach and Nathan Marshall discuss concurrent training. The episode deviates from the usual research paper review to address a popular question about hybrid training—a balanced approach involving various types of workouts at different intensities for overall health. They delve into the concept of hybrid training, highlighting its benefits for busy professionals who seek to balance different types of physical activities with their everyday responsibilities. Nathan, a LEAP intern, shares his experiences transitioning from a college athlete to a hybrid training model, emphasizing the importance of proper nutrition and sustainable training pr...

In this episode of Classroom to Calm, host Nathan Marshall introduces the podcast's first guest, Dr. Kelly McNeil, an associate professor at Eastern Oregon University with a background in community health and human performance. Dr. McNeil shares her journey into health and wellness, fueled by her interest in behavior change sparked by a college professor. She discusses the complexity of behavior change, emphasizing self-efficacy and small, incremental steps towards goals. The conversation covers practical advice for busy professionals, especially teachers, on integrating wellness into their daily routines, including physical activity, setting realistic goals, and the importance of social support...