Dr. Brandon Bentz spent over two decades as a Head and Neck Surgical Oncologist — training at Northwestern, fellowshipping at Memorial Sloan Kettering, serving as a Naval officer on September 11th, and building a career that most physicians only dream of. Then, in his final year of practice, his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, his father with Alzheimer's — and his hospital posted his job without a single conversation.In this episode, we unpack Dr. Bentz's story: the residency nights, the moral injury, the emotional weight of cancer care, and the moment he made the hardest decision of his career. This is not a burnout statistic. This is what burnout actually looks like from the inside of a surgical career.If you work in healthcare — or love someone who does — this one is not optional.

In this episode, Gene Tavernetti speaks with Dr. Randy Palisoc, a passionate educator known for his innovative approach to teaching math. Dr. Palisoc shares his experiences and strategies for making math easy for students, focusing on the importance of understanding math as a language. They discuss Dr. Palisoc's background, including his work at Synergy Academies, the development of the Core Advantage Math Fluency System, and his current role at James Jordan Middle School. The conversation also covers the challenges of teaching math, the significance of consistent language in math instruction, and the impact of professional development.Get in touch with Randy:randypalisoc@mathfluency.com or randypalisoc@gmail.comMathFluency.comlinkedin.com/randypalisoc/Math isn't hard, it's a language | Randy Palisoc | TEDxManhattanBeach (youtube.com)

In this episode, Shannon sits down with Mercy Johnson, Marketing Director for VLab Education, to explore how virtual reality is transforming science education. Mercy shares how VLab offers immersive, entry-level chemistry labs — from safety training and glassware basics to flame tests, precipitation reactions, heat capacity experiments, and even an explosion lab — all designed to let students learn through trial and error without real-world risks. The conversation digs into the value of gamified, open-ended learning, the importance of staying an education-first company (not a tech company), and why human customer service still matters. Mercy also shares her unconventional path into the VR space, the exciting Next Generation Science Standards rollout driving demand, and why the team believes immersive learning is the classroom shift education has been waiting for. Episode Links:Website: VLab EducationShannon's Links:Putman XR XReps

In this episode of The Principal’s Handbook Summer Reset Series, we explore the common patterns of the reactive principal and why so many school leaders feel stuck in a cycle of constant firefighting. Through the example of a reactive principal, you'll see how urgency, problem-solving, and interruptions can crowd out the leadership work that matters most. We also break down how thoughts influence emotions and actions through the TEA Cycle. Most importantly, you'll learn practical strategies to reset your leadership, protect your priorities, and become more proactive in your daily work.Get The 8 to 4 Principal Blueprint Here. 

In this episode host Dr. Erin Bailey sits down with Channing Chasten — former Ohio State and professional soccer player, author of The 1% Kid, and founder of the 1% Kid Foundation. Channing shares how growing up with a teacher mom, a love of Percy Jackson, and a determination to get "1% better every day" shaped both his athletic and academic journey. He opens up about navigating the demands of Division I athletics, the power of saying no, and why third-grade reading proficiency is a statistic every parent and educator should know. Channing also dives into the work of his nonprofit, which combines soccer, literacy, and mindset workshops to inspire young people — especially reluctant readers — to discover the joy of books. About Channing Chasten:Channing Chasten, Executive Director, The 1% Kid Foundation Channing Chasten is a children’s author, speaker, and former professional soccer player dedicated to empowering the next generation. A graduate of The Ohio State University, where he played Division I soccer, Channing went on to play professionally for Phoenix Rising. He is the author of The 1% Kid and the founder of the 1% Kid Foundation, a student-centered, literacy-focused, and athletics-driven organization committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset both on and off the field.Find him online:@channingchasten @the1percentkidfoundation @the1percentkidHis book: The 1% Kid Channing’s favorite books: Diary of a Wimpy KidCaptain UnderpantsPercy Jackson and the OlympiansHarry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone