In this episode of Belly Up to the Blackboard, we sit down with Matt Sandoval, the CEO of Free Arts (soon to be Art Heals Arizona), to explore how educators can support students experiencing significant adversity and trauma. Matt draws on his extensive background as a former math teacher, school counselor, and licensed social worker to provide a unique "toolkit" for the modern classroom

In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Irwin, a serial entrepreneur whose passion for performance extends far beyond the gym. From fitness and nutrition coaching to bodybuilding promotion, real estate investing, and writing, Ryan has built a life rooted in discipline, growth, and purpose.

He shares how the principles that drive success in fitness—focus, consistency, and mindset—translate into business and life. Whether you’re chasing personal goals, building a brand, or striving for balance, Ryan’s story will inspire you to push beyond limits and unlock your peak potential.

🎙️ Tune in to learn how discipline fuels drive—and how you can live with purpose across every domain.

📱 Phones in schools—are they the biggest distraction of our time, or an essential part of modern learning? In this episode, we dive into the growing trend of Yondr pouches—lockable cases that keep students’ phones sealed away during the school day.

We’ll break down the pros and cons, from increased focus and reduced cyberbullying to concerns about safety, freedom, and cost. You’ll hear perspectives from teachers, students, and parents as we ask the big question: Are Yondr pouches the solution to classroom distractions, or just a quick fix?

👉 Join the conversation and decide for yourself: Lock it or leave it?

In this episode, we dive into what real leadership looks like in high school sports. From creating a leadership course for athletes, to debating whether captains should be appointed by coaches or voted on by teammates, we break down the pros and cons of each approach. We explore how leadership shows up in the classroom, why captains aren't the only leaders on the team, and practical ways to build leadership through mentorship, accountability, and community service. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or parent, this conversation offers insights into developing the next generation of leaders on and off the field.

I welcome my new cohost to the show and we discuss how the school year is beginning for her and get her thoughts on the 4 day school week!

Justin and I give an update on how the four day week is going so far this year and the positives and negatives of it.

In this episode I talked with John Halbrook about his educational experience, and how the excitement for learning can fade. We talked about getting kicked out of school, and how that can change your path in life.

Today we were able to interview our good friend Nic and talk about coaching and discuss the similarities that we see between coaching and teaching.

Today we recap our most recent Professional Development and then we get into a discussion on whether it is a good idea or not to arm staff in schools.

Today we recap our PD Day and the AI tools that can help teachers save time on a daily basis. We also touch on being dysregulated by coworkers and tips on how to fix it.