BE Podcast Network: Podcasts that help you go Beyond Education. 

Latest Episodes

#82 Executive Functioning (Part 3) with Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle

In this episode of Make It Mindful, Seth talks with Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. — a middle/high school teacher-turned-author and a primary educator who completed her doctorate studying working memory — about why executive functioning looks fundamentally different in grades K–3 than it does anywhere else in school. Their new co-authored book grew directly out of feedback that K–3 teachers had been handed materials written for older students and told to make them work. The episode makes the case that what happens in the primary years isn't just preparation for real learning — it is real learning, and most schools treat it as invisible.Together, Seth, Mitch, and Sarah explore what the three core executive functions — working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility — actually look like when a child is five versus eight versus twelve, and why the developmental arc across those years matters for how teachers structure everything from transitions to independent work time. Sarah draws on her years teaching emerging readers to describe how cognitive load quietly derails decoding, how visual clutter competes with attention, and why playing music with lyrics during work time is, as she puts it, "really cruel." The conversation gets genuinely interesting when Seth pushes back on inhibition — asking whether what looks like off-task behavior might just be a child doing exactly what they need — and the discussion that follows is one of the more honest treatments of classroom compliance versus developmental reality you'll hear on an education podcast.Key TopicsThe three core executive functions: working memory, inhibition, cognitive flexibilityWhy K–3 materials can't simply be adapted from K–12 resourcesCognitive load and how instructional design either protects or depletes itThe developmental arc from preschool through third grade and what changes around grades 3–4Classroom environment design: visuals, acoustics, physical layout, and attentionRoutines as an executive functioning tool, not just a management strategyWhen off-task behavior reflects unmet developmental needs vs. instructional design failuresLinks & Resources'Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom by Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. (K–3 focus) — https://organizedbinder.com/product/ef-k3-book/ Executive Functions for Every K-3 Classroom by Mitch Weathers and Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. (K–3 focus) — https://organizedbinder.com/product/ef-k3-book/ Executive Functions for Every Classroom (Mitch Weathers' first book, grades 3–12) — https://organizedbinder.com/product/executive-functions-for-every-classroom/Mitch Weathers' website: OrganizeBinder — https://organizedbinder.com/Guest BiosMitch Weathers works with educators on applying executive functioning research to classroom practice. His first book focused on grades 3–12 and was widely used in school professional development. His new book, co-authored with Sarah Oberle, extends that work into the primary grades (K–3), an audience he intentionally left out of the first book because, as he says, he's not a primary teacher. He writes and consults under the OrganizeBinder brand.Sarah Oberle, Ed.D. is an early childhood educator who spent years teaching emerging readers before pursuing doctoral research on working memory. Her classroom experience — figuring out through trial and error why some things worked and others didn't — eventually met the research, and the alignment gave her a framework for anticipating where instruction breaks down before it does. She brings that practitioner-to-researcher perspective to the book.About the Host: Seth Fleischauer is a former classroom teacher and the founder of Banyan Global Learning. Make It Mindful explores how people, cultures, technologies, cognitive processes, and school systems shape what happens in classrooms around the world.

How To Break From Your Patterns: Reenactments w/ Tony Iezzi

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding Reenactments and Thematic TriggersHow to Identify and Heal Your TriggersBreaking trauma-driven patterns through the lens of "Reenactments" with Dr. Tony Iezzi.The subconscious repetition of past trauma themes (not just events) in everyday situations. Triggers are often thematic (e.g., feeling disrespected or unvalued) rather than incident-based.Symptoms vs. Roots: Overeating or workaholism are symptoms; the root is often childhood messaging.The Workplace Mirror: Professional conflicts are frequently reenactments of family dynamics.Approach > Avoid: Healing requires "finding your voice" and acting differently than your habit.In this insightful dialogue, Dr. Tony Iezzi, a clinical psychologist with over 35 years of experience, explores the concept of "reenactments"—the subconscious ways we replay past traumas and sensitivities in our daily lives. The discussion provides a framework for identifying "thematic triggers" and offers practical strategies for breaking unhealthy patterns in both personal and professional communication.Key Takeaways:- how we decode childhood messaging- when parents pass down their unresolved histories- what "polyvictimization" means- treating symptoms rather than the root cause- the 4-Step Healing Framework- how to recognize when you are in a reenactment- calming your nervous system - moving from "avoidance" to "approach"- workplace reenactments and how to reclaim our voice...and so much more!Connect with Tony:Website: https://tonyiezzi.comListen to the Podcast, subscribe, leave a rating and a review:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-break-from-your-patterns-reenactments-w-tony-iezzi/id1614151066?i=1000765994900 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fscPxCZLWgNLFSOUFpNla?si=y0-vhdt3Q7K7rr3aeMztzg YouTube: https://youtu.be/Dg7RTrVZo3E

AI and the Human Edge: Rethinking Career Readiness with Adam Davis

In this episode of The Smarter Campus Podcast, Zach sits down with Adam Davis, Senior Director of Global Career Services at the American College of Financial Services, to explore how AI is reshaping the connection between education and the workforce. As career services evolves, Adam offers a clear perspective on how institutions can better prepare students for a rapidly changing professional landscape.The conversation highlights a key shift: while AI can handle the heavy lifting—like resume building, interview prep, and research—it also raises the bar for what makes candidates stand out. Adam emphasizes that storytelling, self-awareness, and communication are becoming even more important as AI-generated content becomes more common. In this new environment, the “human edge” is what differentiates students.The episode also explores practical ways institutions can support this transition, from building safe spaces for interview practice to helping students develop “AI agility.” For educators and leaders, this is a thoughtful look at how AI can serve as a co-pilot—freeing up time for deeper mentorship while equipping students with the skills they need to navigate the future of work.

Why Public Speaking Is Important w/ Kelly Charles-Collins

Why is public speaking so important?Meet Kelly Charles-Collins!Kelly is a former attorney who practiced law for 29 years. She is a Keynote Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Author, Mentor and is on a mission to create inclusive cultures where every person & every voice matters.Kelly believes that conversations change things and that open hearts, change minds; one convo at a time. However, too often, managers and employees lack the skills to effectively listen, communicate, and ultimately lead -  which is bad for business.Kelly works with organizations looking to cultivate safe, inclusive, and accountable cultures where every person & every voice matters. She also works with experts to position them to land corporate training contracts. As a speaker and trainer, she shows up and show out delivering engaging, enlightening, practical, and actionable programs that activate, shift, and transform.As a trial attorney, Kelly honed her ability to analyze and synthesize information, actively listen, formulate and ask the right questions, and communicate effectively with people of all cultural and socio-economic levels. Her commitment to respect, equity, accountability, and women's empowerment guides her as she leverages her “Un”factor - the analytical skills of a seasoned lawyer and the heart of an advocate for change. As a skilled speaker, attorney, trainer, arbitrator, and mediator, she delivers solutions that activate, shift, and transform.Listen as Kelly walks us through her journey of how the legal profession prepared her for a career in public speaking.Key Points:- Reverse-engineering your message for clarity and impact- The importance of understanding your audience- Techniques to overcome the fear of public speaking- The distinction between preparing and memorizing a speech- Strategies for ensuring lasting change post-corporate training- Navigating unconscious bias and the bystander effect- Tips for leaders on handling tough conversations effectively...and so much more!📋 Episode Chapters(00:00) This podcast focuses on improving your communication skills both professionally and personally(01:02) Eric Girard is your leadership coach and host of Unlocked podcast(01:52) Steve Girard focuses on helping new managers make transition from individual contributors to people managers(02:34) When you were in Silicon Valley, you were doing the management development(06:48) When talking about coaching and feedback, do leaders think in the managers they coach(13:06) Your book is called lead like a pro, the essential guide for new managers(14:14) As a new manager, you need to build your empathy muscles(17:23) The second piece is about making a mindful transition from individual contributor to manager(19:42) Should you get a mentor within the organization you're in or somebody external(25:41) This podcast is all about new managers and how to help them(27:32) Eric Girard offers advice to new managers on how to deal with difficult situations(28:47) The speaking and communicating podcast is part of the b podcast networkConnect with Kelly:Website: https://kellycharlescollins.comWebsite: www.oppspeakerplaybook.comWebsite: www.getknownandpaid.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellycharlescollins/TEDx Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_charles_collins_the_bystander_effect_why_some_people_act_and_others_don_tListen to the Podcast, leave a rating and a review on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-public-speaking-is-important-w-kelly-charles-collins/id1614151066?i=1000622381978Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SDrPif9KTDLG5gqpK1m97YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5PnpnqYU1Q

Building Relationships That Outlast Leadership Transitions with Danny Bauer

In this episode from the Transformative Leadership Summit, Jethro Jones sits down with Daniel Bauer, host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast, to explore why relationships are the cornerstone of transformative leadership.Daniel shares a candid, real-time example: his principal's unexpected departure and how a culture of trust and connection shaped how the school community responded to the news. He makes a compelling case for succession planning — not as a contingency, but as an ongoing leadership responsibility.

Hosts

Jethro Jones

Jethro Jones

Host of The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education Leaders
Ross Romano

Ross Romano

Host of The Authority Podcast — Expert Insights and Fresh Ideas for Education Leaders
A Jethro Jones

A Jethro Jones

Host of Transformative Principal
Mike Caldwell

Mike Caldwell

Host of Transformative Principal