In this energizing and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by fitness expert Jonathan Simos, who shares easy, sustainable strategies for weaving exercise into even the busiest teaching schedule. Jonathan opens up about his journey from injury-prone teenager to Guinness World Record holder and certified trainer—showing how fitness transformed his body, mindset, and life.

Lesley and Jonathan dive into the parallels between building a healthy body and teaching music: mastering fundamentals, staying consistent, and doing things the right way to prevent damage. Whether you are brand new to exercise or struggling to stay consistent during concert season chaos, you’ll walk away with doable tips to improve your physical and mental wellness.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to break down effective full-body workouts into simple, time-saving routines
• Why fitness is a “keystone habit” that benefits every part of your life
• Ways to stay active even when your schedule is packed to the max
• Lesley’s personal push-up journey and how tiny consistent actions lead to transformation
• How to find movement you enjoy—so you’ll actually stick with it

You’ll also hear about Jonathan’s upcoming fitness venture, why coaching matters, and how building strength can help you show up stronger for your students and yourself. This episode is your reminder that taking care of your body isn't selfish—it's essential for a sustainable, joyful teaching career.

Guest Info:

Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @jonathan.simos

Check out his upcoming program and community: neuxist.com

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Bill Kennelly of Kennelly Keys Music—a longtime friend of music education and sponsor of Season 4—to talk about how relationships with independent music stores can transform your program, reduce your workload, and support your students in meaningful ways.

Lesley and Bill discuss how music stores can be more than just suppliers—they can be true partners. From picking up and repairing instruments, to sponsoring festivals, to showing up at school board meetings to advocate for music education, the support goes far beyond sales. Bill shares heartfelt stories of growing up in the industry, honoring his father's legacy, and how mentorship and service have driven his success.

Listeners will walk away with a renewed appreciation for the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep music education thriving, along with specific ideas for how to build or strengthen these vital community relationships.

In this energizing episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat sits down with M.J. Robinson—band director, mom, and President-Elect of Women Band Directors International—to discuss how managing your energy can transform not only your teaching but your entire life.

M.J. shares her journey from quiet wallflower to confident educator and leader, crediting the power of community, mentorship, and intentional mindset work. This episode is packed with practical strategies for navigating toxic work environments, setting energetic boundaries, and reclaiming joy in the classroom. M.J. opens up about the importance of resetting throughout the day, using music as a form of emotional processing, and building resilience without burning out.

You’ll also hear about simple tools like affirmation apps, running, and self-talk that help M.J. stay grounded, focused, and full of genuine positivity—even in tough situations. Whether you're feeling stuck, overstimulated, or just need a spark of inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.

In this milestone episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes—as her 100th guest—the inspiring Dr. Shannon Shaker—assistant professor and Director of Bands at Grand Rapids Community College.

In a conversation full of honesty and heart, Shannon shares how she forged her own unique path to the podium, from early years in poverty and working at McDonald's to earning her doctorate in wind conducting.

Lesley and Shannon dive into topics many music educators will relate to—impostor syndrome, surviving toxic work environments, and the importance of finding the right fit rather than blaming yourself. Shannon talks candidly about the challenges of transitioning from elementary music to higher education, and how resilience was born out of necessity.

The episode also offers tangible wellness advice and encouragement to band directors seeking sustainable, joyful careers. Shannon shares four powerful wellness tips—including the life-changing power of sleep—and speaks about the community-building magic of side projects like her Beer City Winds ensemble. Whether you’re navigating burnout or dreaming of your next professional step, this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and inspired.

website: www.shannonshaker.com

email: [email protected]

It’s a milestone moment! In this very special 100th episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat reflects on two years of podcasting, over 22,000 downloads, and the incredible community of music educators that made it all possible.

This episode is more than a celebration—it’s a recommitment to the mission of helping band directors amplify their impact, not their workload. Lesley shares the story behind starting the podcast in May 2023, what she’s learned from 100 powerful conversations, and how her background in teaching, AI tools, and sustainable systems fuels the work she does today.

You’ll hear about the upcoming release of her next book, The Balanced Band Director, as well as exciting new resources like Band Director Buddy GPTs and Get Sh*t Done sessions to help you save time and energy while doing your best work.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

🎉 Why this podcast was created (and how it’s grown into a movement)

📚 A sneak peek at Lesley’s upcoming book and what makes it different

💡 How AI is transforming how directors manage their programs

🧠 The mindset shift every busy teacher needs

🎺 Heartfelt gratitude to the guests, listeners, and mentors who made this milestone possible

This episode is packed with personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a powerful invitation to be part of what’s next. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just found us, thank you for being part of this journey. You are the reason it matters.

Resources & Links:

• Band Director Buddy GPT Tools
• Join the mPowered Music Educator Academy
• Kennelly Keys Music – Proud Platinum Sponsor

In this high-energy episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat is joined by middle school band director, composer, and organizational powerhouse Erin Lilliefors. Erin shares her practical strategies for keeping communication clear and effective with parents—an area that often causes stress for music educators.

Drawing on 15 years of experience in diverse school settings and the real-life juggling act of being a single mom, Erin reveals how front-loading information, formatting for clarity, and sharing positive student shout-outs can transform your relationships with families. You'll also hear how she uses ChatGPT to streamline messaging and save time.

The conversation also highlights Erin’s work as a composer creating flex-band music that fills important gaps in the repertoire—especially for underrepresented cultures and low brass players (finally!). With pieces like Tick, Tick, Tick and Perilous Seas, she’s writing music that’s playable, meaningful, and memorable.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🎶 Why front-loading parent communication is like meal prepping for your sanity

🎶 Simple formatting tips that help families actually read your emails

🎶 How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time and write better emails

🎶 Why representation matters in band literature—and how Erin is contributing

🎶 Where to find her published flex and culturally inspired band pieces

Resources Mentioned:

• Erin’s music on JW Pepper (search: “Tick, Tick, Tick” and “Perilous Seas”)
• Additional works via Leading Tones Music
• Free PD and ChatGPT tools at mPowered Music Educator Academy

In this inspiring episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes music educator, author, podcaster, and wellness advocate Elisa Janson Jones. Elisa shares her journey from business consultant to music education leader and dives deep into why personal wellness is the foundation for a sustainable and impactful teaching career.

Lesley and Elisa explore actionable wellness strategies—like daily exercise, personalized nutrition, and strong mindset practices—and discuss the importance of energy management and realistic expectations. Elisa also introduces listeners to the Music Teacher Guild, a groundbreaking professional learning community offering mentorship, custom AI resources, and targeted professional development for music educators at every stage of their career.

Whether you're a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, this conversation will leave you motivated to prioritize your health, build your community, and seek the support you deserve. Stay tuned to the end for Elisa’s heartfelt advice on mindset shifts that can change your career—and your life.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

🎵 Why personal wellness must be your first priority

🎵 How daily habits and mindset shifts can transform your teaching

🎵 The story behind the Music Teacher Guild and its innovative resources

🎵 Simple steps for new teachers to find community and mentorship

🎵 How AI tools can free up your time and energy for what matters most

Resources Mentioned:

• The Music Teacher Guild
• Empowered Educator
• Connect with Elisa Janson Jones on social media
• Access to the MTG Commons, including the Pathways to Funding course
• Discounts on mentorship, classes, and events: Band Director Bootcamp with Lesley Moffat - 10% off BDBWLM2025. Receive 10% off any Music Teacher Guild appointment, class, or event. One-time use. Valid for subscriptions.
• Music Mentor Books

In this courageous and deeply impactful episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat is joined by music educator, memoirist, and advocate Megan Farison. Megan opens up about the personal story behind her memoir Dissonance and shares her mission to help educators establish safer, more supportive classroom cultures.

Together, Lesley and Megan tackle some of the hard conversations our profession needs to be having—including how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, why music educators are in uniquely vulnerable positions, and how to cultivate an emotionally safe environment for both students and teachers.

Megan outlines 5 actionable strategies for establishing a classroom culture of safety and wellness and offers examples from real-life experiences that every educator can learn from.

You’ll learn:

• Why boundary-setting is an act of protection—for both students and teachers
• What makes performing arts teachers more susceptible to boundary complications
• The role of transparency, structure, and observability in preventing harm
• Tips for safeguarding yourself and your students during one-on-one moments, school trips, and daily interactions
• How Megan turned her personal story into healing and advocacy—and how you can, too

🎧 Megan also offers a free sneak peek of her memoir Dissonance, available here.

Sing, Coach, Conduct on Spotify

The Elephant Alliance

Anna Sonoda, author of Duck Duck Groom: How a Child Becomes a Target

In this inspiring episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat chats with Nancy Erickson Lamont, a Washington-based choir director, music educator, and accomplished jazz vocalist. Nancy’s journey proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—whether you're 40, 50, or 60. After taking time off to raise a family, she returned to school, launched a teaching career in her 50s, and released multiple albums as a singer-songwriter.

Lesley and Nancy dive into how reclaiming your creative passions can boost mental health, reduce burnout, and set a powerful example for students. Nancy shares the three pillars that guide her life and teaching: lifelong learning, focused priorities, and creating without fear. Whether you're considering a personal comeback or simply looking to reconnect with your artistic self, Nancy's story will motivate you to take that first step.

You’ll learn:

• How Nancy transitioned from stay-at-home mom to full-time music educator and performer
• Why personal creativity fuels professional growth
• Strategies for setting boundaries and focusing on what really matters
• Tips for easing back into performance—even if it’s been decades
• How to nurture your health, your voice, and your joy

🎵 Stick around for links to Nancy’s latest music and hear how collaboration helped her confidence bloom!

Here is the link to her Feature FM account, which links to her latest album on multiple streaming platforms: https://ffm.to/b8pkvnj

In this energizing episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat chats with Erin Mahr, a band director who's made it her mission to run a marathon or half marathon in all 50 states. Lesley and Erin discuss the challenge of balancing a demanding career with personal wellness and how engaging in activities like marathon running can significantly enhance one's physical and mental health.

Erin shares her journey from a band director overwhelmed by her profession to becoming a goal-setting marathon runner who values self-care and scheduling.

Discover practical strategies for integrating personal passions with professional responsibilities, and learn how setting achievable goals can lead to a more fulfilling life both in and out of the band room.