Aspire: The Leadership Development Podcast

Leadership isn’t scripted...and neither is this conversation. In Episode 35 of Aspire Mailbag, Josh Stamper and Jeff Gargas tackle two listener questions that every leader has wrestled with (even if they won’t admit it):

What if behavior support wasn’t a system to manage but a promise to keep? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper and guest Tim Grivois explore how leaders can transform traditional approaches to behavior into authentic commitments to student well-being and inclusion. Drawing from his experiences as a teacher, principal, and consultant, Tim challenges the norms of PBIS and “Check-In/Check-Out” systems, offering strategies that center relationships, trust, and belonging. Together, they unpack how to empower staff through meaningful professional learning, better support students with ADHD, and model true self-care that sustains both educators and school culture. About Tim Grivois: Dr. Tim Grivois believes professional development should feel like a conversation about something we are building together, not a compliance exercise. After more than twenty-two years as a teacher, school leader, and now the Executive Director of TGS Educational Consulting, Tim helps schools design learning experie

What happens when two longtime collaborators reunite to reimagine how we grow as leaders? In this uplifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Jeff Gargas joins Joshua Stamper to celebrate the return of authentic connection, collaboration, and purpose in leadership development. Together, they reflect on their early podcasting days, explore the challenges today’s leaders face, and unveil Joshua’s newest project—the Aspire to Lead Cohort, a transformational experience built for educators who crave meaningful growth, connection, and accountability. From personalized leadership assessments to live workshops and dynamic peer communities, Josh shares how this new model is helping educators rediscover their “why” and sustain their momentum all year long. Whether you’re an aspiring leader finding your footing or a seasoned administrator seeking renewal, this episode will reignite your passion for learning, leading, and belonging in community.   Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the December 1st Launch Ready to move

What if the secret to great leadership was hidden in the elements that shape our world? Educator and author Tyler Comeau believes it is. From the frozen courts of the Northwest Territories to international stages, Tyler’s journey has been one of discovery—of purpose, resilience, and the fire that fuels authentic leadership. In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper and Tyler unpack The Elemental Leader—a framework where Earth grounds your values, Air strengthens your perseverance, Water nurtures your adaptability, and Fire ignites innovation and action. Through powerful stories and research-based insights, Tyler challenges leaders to think differently about growth, purpose, and balance. This isn’t just another leadership conversation—it’s a call to realign, recharge, and rediscover your spark. If you’ve ever felt pulled between the weight of responsibility and the need for renewal, this episode will remind you that great leadership begins where your roots meet your flame. About Tyler Comeau: Tyler Co

What keeps great leaders and teachers going when the work feels heavy and the energy starts to fade?  In this heart-centered conversation, my amazing guest, Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson, explores what it truly means to sustain passion in education, long after the initial excitement wears off. Together, we unpack the practices that fuel resilience, the power of self-compassion in leadership, and the small moments of joy that remind us why we chose this work in the first place. If you’ve ever felt your battery running low, this episode offers more than motivation. It's a gentle reminder that thriving leaders don’t just pour into others; they learn how to refill themselves too. About Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson: Dr. Julie Schmidt Hasson is an Associate Professor in School Administration at Appalachian State University and the founder of the Teacher Recharge project. Julie’s research on teacher resilience, engagement, and impact is the heart of her keynotes, training programs, and her TEDx Talk, The Teachers We Rememb

In this special episode, Joshua Stamper welcomes Kim Gameroz to announce the launch of the Aspire to Lead Cohort. Discover how this exclusive program was designed to address the real challenges aspiring leaders face, and learn about the community, mentorship, and practical strategies that make this cohort the answer for educators seeking to advance their leadership careers. Hear personal stories, program highlights, and exciting opportunities for listeners to join this transformative journey. For more information about the Aspire to Lead Cohorts, go to https://joshstamper.com/leadership-cohorts/ About Kim Gameroz Kim Gameroz, M.Ed., is a change agent and founder of Teaching Inside Out, revolutionizing classrooms through a systematic approach to teaching social and emotional skills. With over 15 years of experience coaching, training, and mentoring educators, students, and families globally, Kim has spoken at numerous conferences, consults for school districts, serves on SEL panels, and contributes to vario

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper is joined by Jill and Mary, the powerhouse co-founders of Girls Mentorship, an Arizona-based organization helping tween and teen girls unlock their confidence, build emotional intelligence, and navigate life’s challenges with strength and self-awareness. Together, they dive into the importance of teaching personal development skills early, the role of mentorship in shaping young leaders, and how their POWER Framework—Perspective, Ownership, Worthiness, Empowered, and Reassurance—transforms the way girls see themselves and their potential. Jill and Mary’s energy, humor, and heartfelt stories will leave you inspired to foster growth, resilience, and empowerment in the next generation of changemakers. About Jill and Mary: Jill & Mary are the co-founders of Girls Mentorship, an Arizona-based organization on a mission to empower tween and teen girls with the life and personal development skills they don’t always learn in school. Through 1:1 coaching,

In this powerful episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, co-author of Relational Intelligence, joins me to explore how trust, empathy, and authentic connection transform school leadership. Together, we discuss how leaders can shift from transactional to transformational practices, especially during times of crisis and change.Dr. Edoho-Eket introduces the HOPE framework—Hope, Opportunity, Praise, and Encouragement—as a practical tool for cultivating cultures where teachers feel valued and supported. We also unpack the common communication pitfalls leaders face and share strategies for fostering authentic dialogue that builds stronger relationships across a school community.Finally, we dive into one of the most pressing challenges today: burnout. Dr. Edoho-Eket shares how relational intelligence not only helps leaders model balance but also equips them to create healthier, more sustainable environments for themselves and their teams.If you’re ready to lead with heart and transform the way you connect

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I sit down with Danny Steele, veteran principal and author of The Instructional Leader in You. Together, we dive into what it truly takes to build a thriving school culture, stay inspired as an educator, and sustain longevity in leadership without burning out. Danny shares his insights from over 12 years as a principal and offers a fresh perspective on how to redefine the role of school leaders in ways that prioritize both staff and student success. Whether you’re looking to reignite your spark or discover new approaches to instructional leadership, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and encouragement for every educator. About 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 h

In this Bonus Episode, Joshua Stamper, co-author of The Language of Behavior, presents at the Thrive Virtual Conference and unpacks three powerful tenets that reshape how we respond to student behavior. In this Thrive session, Josh shares practical strategies educators can implement immediately, including: ✔️ The Push-In Model for real-time student support ✔️ A framework for teaching after mistakes, helping students learn from poor decisions ✔️ The connection between parenting techniques and school procedures, creating consistency that fosters growth and trust This conversation is filled with actionable insights designed to help educators move from reactive discipline to proactive, relationship-centered practices. Walk away with tools you can use tomorrow to transform behavior challenges into opportunities for learning.

What if drug prevention could be exciting, empowering, and led by students themselves? In this episode, Jake White, co-founder of Vive 18, shares his innovative approach to youth drug prevention and mental health awareness. From hosting unforgettable drug-free events to helping students launch their own prevention clubs, Jake has reached thousands of young people with a message of hope and empowerment. Together we explore the importance of engaging youth in substance use prevention, the role of schools in fostering healthier choices, and how his upcoming Prevention Conference & Cruise is building a nationwide movement. This conversation offers practical insights for educators, leaders, and communities committed to shaping a generation that thrives without substances. About Jake White: Jake White started his first company as a college student doing something that many people said was impossible… throwing giant parties… without any drugs or alcohol.  After just a few months he had hundreds of students

As a leader, what does instructional leadership look like in action? In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Valerie Arechiga shares her journey as an aspiring leader and her powerful insights on what instructional leadership must look like in today’s classrooms. We explore her work with Thinking Nation and how its services are reshaping the way educators approach literature and social studies.  Valerie also reflects on the experiences that best prepared her for leadership, offering practical takeaways for teachers and leaders striving to create classrooms where students think critically, engage deeply, and thrive. This conversation blends vision with actionable strategies, making it a must-listen for educators passionate about cultivating both knowledge and leadership in their learning communities. About Valerie Arechiga: Valerie Arechiga is an educator, consultant, speaker, and soon-to-be Ed.D. graduate committed to equipping teachers, inspiring leaders, and building thriving school communities. Wi

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Todd Nesloney shares insights from his new online course, Culture Unleashed: Your Guide to Creating a School Kids Deserve. Together, we explore how school culture isn’t accidental—it’s intentionally built through vision, relationships, and purposeful action. Todd unpacks strategies for creating classrooms and campuses where joy, connection, and growth thrive. Whether you’re a teacher seeking to reenergize your classroom or a leader aiming to transform your campus, this conversation provides the tools and encouragement to unleash the culture your students truly deserve. About Todd Nesloney: Todd Nesloney is the Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). He was previously a Principal/Lead Learner at a PreK-5 school in Texas. He is an award winning author for his work in co-authoring Kids Deserve It! and Sparks in the Dark. He has also written the book Stories from Webb and published a children

In this forward-looking episode of Aspire to Lead, Brad Waid, international speaker and author of the upcoming book Racing the Future, joins me to explore how technology is reshaping classrooms and careers. From sparking discovery in students to preparing them for jobs that don’t yet exist, Brad shares powerful insights on the role of emerging technology in shaping the future workforce. We also dive into how schools can leverage innovation to create learning environments that are engaging, relevant, and future-ready. About Brad Waid: Brad is an Award-winning Emerging Technology Leader, International Keynote Speaker, Futurist, Educator, Visionary, and Author specializing in AR/VR/XR, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Industry 4.0.  He is tabbed as one of the top 20 Global Futurist & Keynote Speakers by TAFFD (Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussions), recognized as the #14 influencer world-wide in Augmented Reality by Onalytica as well as being recognized as one of the “20 to Watch” by th

In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, I’m joined by Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan, co-authors of The Emerging Teacher Leader: 6 Dynamic Practices to Nurture Professional Growth. Together, we explore the true value of teacher leadership and how it shapes not only school culture but also student learning. Kathy and Margaret share their own educational and leadership journeys, unpack what it means to lead without a title, and reveal strategies to help schools empower teachers to embrace their hidden leadership potential. We also dive into the six dynamic practices outlined in their book and discuss which one teacher leaders often find the most challenging to master. If you’ve ever wondered how teacher leadership can drive meaningful growth in schools—or how to step into leadership yourself—this episode will give you the clarity, inspiration, and actionable tools to take the next step. About Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan Dr. Kathy Perez and Margaret Coughlan are committed to the ongoing gro

Superintendent and author Dr. Dan Stecken joins me to share his personal journey through burnout and the inspiration behind his book Stressed Leaders: Stay in the Game. In this candid conversation, we discuss why leaders aren’t broken—they’re burned out—and how that critical distinction can reshape how we approach leadership, recovery, and sustainability. Dr. Stecken reveals the moment he realized his leadership approach was unsustainable, the mindset shifts and boundaries that help leaders protect their well-being, and the daily habits that fuel long-term success without sacrificing purpose. We also explore the Stressed Leaders movement and the supportive community he’s building for leaders who want to thrive instead of simply endure. If you’re feeling the weight of leadership, this episode offers practical strategies, renewed perspective, and the encouragement you need to stay in the game. About Dan Stecken: Dan Stecken is the District Superintendent of Seneca Township High School in North Central Illinois

In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and Aspire to Lead, Darrin Peppard and Joshua Stamper team up once again for their annual back-to-school leadership conversation. As educators and leaders gear up for a new year, Darrin and Joshua dive deep into: What clarity looks like at the start of the school year How new leaders can define success before the chaos begins Building relationships and trust before pushing new initiatives The power of clearly modeling expectations Making feedback, coaching, and support part of your leadership culture Practical ways to sustain clarity, energy, and intentionality all year long Whether you're just stepping into leadership or returning for your 20th year, this episode offers real-world strategies to help you start strong and stay focused on what matters most.

Welcome to a special bonus episode of the VIBE Edu Podcast! In the very first episode of the VIBE Edu Podcast, Kim Gameroz, TJ Vari, Mitch Weathers, and myself, Joshua Stamper, sit down for a raw, honest roundtable discussion about a topic every educator has strong feelings about—professional development.From the worst PD sessions they’ve ever endured to the real reasons educators are tuning out, this episode gets to the heart of why so much professional learning misses the mark. But it’s not just critique—it's a conversation grounded in action. The team shares practical strategies to make PD actually useful, meaningful, and immediately applicable on Monday morning.If you’ve ever walked out of a session thinking, “Well, that was a waste of time,” this episode is your call to reimagine what PD can and should be. Because when done right, it’s not just development—it’s transformation. — Magic Mind If you are a long time listener, an ASPIRE Leader, You know I only work with brands that I believe in myself and I

In this powerful new installment of our monthly series, Mitch Weathers, creator of Organized Binder and author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom, returns to the mic for an energizing conversation that’s all about optimizing the way students think, learn, and succeed. We kick things off with an exciting announcement about our new project, The VIBE Edu Podcast, before diving into practical strategies for enhancing retrieval practices, managing cognitive load, and boosting working memory. Mitch also shares insights on meaningful student feedback and how intentional evaluation can drive deeper understanding. If you're ready to transform classroom routines into high-impact learning experiences, this episode is your blueprint. Tune in and walk away with tools to help students not just survive, but thrive.   About Mitch Weathers: Mitch Weathers became an exceptional educator because he once struggled as a student. Throughout his academic journey, Mitch rarely felt comfortable in the classroom. It

What if the answer to burnout wasn’t escape, but empowerment? In this transformative episode, Dr. Casey Jakubowski—educator, consultant, and founder of OK to Outstanding—joins me to unpack the real challenges and untapped potential within the profession. Together, we explore what it truly means to lead in education, even without a formal title, and how teachers can overcome imposter syndrome to embrace their inner leadership. From innovative mentoring models to creative recruitment and retention strategies, Casey shares insights that reignite purpose and inspire growth. Whether you're feeling stuck or seeking to empower those around you, this episode will challenge your thinking and elevate your leadership journey. If you're ready to go from “OK” to “outstanding,” this one’s for you. About Casey Jakubowski: Dr. Casey T. Jakubowski is a dynamic leadership consultant, speaker, and educator with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations grow from “okay” to outstanding. Known for his