November 08, 2025

Aspire Mailbag: Trust, Control, and Checking our Ego

33 minutes

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):

💬 How do you respond when you’re told to do something you’re already doing—without sounding defensive?
💬 And how can leaders recognize when their own need for control is actually blocking trust and innovation?

With their trademark mix of honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight, Josh and Jeff dig into the messy middle of leadership. Especially, the part where communication gets tricky, egos flare, and growth actually happens.

Whether you’re leading a classroom, a team, or an entire campus, this episode will help you navigate the tough conversations with confidence, clarity, and a little laughter along the way.

🎧 Tune in to discover how real leadership sounds when the mic’s on and the filters are off.

Featuring Jeff Gargas and Joshua Stamper

Follow Jeff Gargas:

Twitter:https://twitter.com/jeffgargas
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/_jeffgargas/

Follow Joshua Stamper:

Contact:https://joshstamper.com/contact/
Twitter:www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper
Instagram:www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper
Linkedin:www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast
Subscribe:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2

Follow The Teach Better Team:

Twitter:https://twitter.com/teachbetterteam
Website:https://www.teachbetter.com/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/teachbetterteam
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/teachbetterteam
The Teach Better Podcast:https://www.teachbetter.com/podcast/

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NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the December 1st LaunchReady to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles.Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear roadmap to advance your career.December 1st cohort launching soon. Limited spots available.READY TO JOIN?

Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort: https://bit.ly/47xWzIu

Limited spots available. The cohort admissions close starts 11/29/25

📧 QUESTIONS?

Email me: [email protected]

#1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate.

Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders

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Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?

Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.

Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:

Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast

Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2

Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award!

I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio!

It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support!

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175

Review the Podcast

I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.

This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.

Teach Better Podcast Network

This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/

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By Joshua Stamper

4.9

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