In this episode of Beyond Our Walls, Tim reflects on the power of quiet leadership—the kind that happens behind the scenes, in the margins, and through small, consistent acts of care and connection. Inspired by his experiences as a Hospice volunteer alongside his therapy dog Jim, his work transporting rescue dogs, and the everyday heroes in education, Tim explores how these quiet acts ripple outward, creating meaningful change.

Drawing on lessons from Disney’s Encanto, Tim dives into the invisible burdens leaders carry, the importance of sharing the load, and how empathy and connection can heal even the deepest cracks. Whether you’re a leader in your workplace, community, or family, this episode is a reminder that showing up, even in small ways, can have a profound impact.

Subscribe, Share, and Join the Conversation:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Beyond Our Walls wherever you get your podcasts, consider sharing it with a friend, and check out the newsletter at beyondourwalls.substack.com.

Your support means everything! Like what you hear? Maybe buy me a coffee?

Find more from Tim at bio.link/timothy.

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In this holiday-themed episode of Beyond Our Walls, Tim explores the unique challenges leaders face during the festive season. While the holidays are often painted as "the most wonderful time of the year," they can also bring stress, heightened emotions, and overwhelming expectations. From managing day-to-day tasks to supporting others through difficult times, leaders often feel the weight of the season more than most.

Through practical strategies, personal reflections, and a deep dive into the timeless holiday classic It’s a Wonderful Life, Tim shares insights on how to navigate the chaos with grace, balance, and intention. Whether you’re leading a team, a classroom, or simply attempting to manage yourself, this episode offers advice to simplify the season and focus on what truly matters: connection, kindness, and perspective.

Subscribe, Share, and Join the Conversation:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Beyond Our Walls wherever you get your podcasts, consider sharing it with a friend, and check out the newsletter at beyondourwalls.substack.com.

Your support means everything! Like what you hear? Maybe buy me a coffee?

Find more from Tim at bio.link/timothy.

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In this week’s episode of Beyond Our Walls, Tim dives into the reality of decision fatigue—a challenge that affects all of us, whether you are in a formal leadership position or not, because we all end up navigating endless choices and conflicts in our daily lives.

Tim reflects on the toll of constant decision-making, sharing candid stories from his own experience, like the split-second choice of whether to be honest about feeling overwhelmed or putting on a brave face. Backed by research on the physical and mental impacts of decision fatigue, this episode explores why exhaustion sets in and how it affects our ability to lead effectively.

With practical strategies, relatable anecdotes, and a dose of pop culture wisdom from Parks and Recreation’s Leslie Knope, Tim offers actionable advice for simplifying decisions, delegating tasks, and reconnecting with core values.

Find more about the research around decision fatigue mentioned in the episode here and here.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Beyond Our Walls wherever you get your podcasts, consider sharing it with a friend, and check out the newsletter at beyondourwalls.substack.com.

Your support means everything! Like what you hear? Maybe buy me a coffee?

Find more from Tim at bio.link/timothy.

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In this episode of Beyond Our Walls, Tim Dawkins explores the power of purpose as an “anchor” in uncertain times. When the world feels off-kilter, how do we stay steady and keep moving forward? Tim reflects on finding meaning in everyday acts of normalcy, sharing why showing up with purpose is so important—even when things don’t go as planned.

With a little help from Captain America, Tim discusses what he believes patriotism looks like in a time of division and how real leadership isn’t about having all the answers but staying grounded in values like empathy and resilience. Join Tim for a mindfulness moment, a weekly leadership challenge, and insights on finding calm in the chaos.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Beyond Our Walls wherever you get your podcasts, consider sharing it with a friend, and check out the newsletter at beyondourwalls.substack.com.

Your support means everything! Like what you hear? Maybe buy me a coffee?

Find more from Tim at bio.link/timothy.

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In this episode of Beyond Our Walls: The Podcast, host Tim Dawkins reflects on the chaotic beauty of airports and how they mirror the unpredictability of leadership. He also explores lessons in empathy and flexibility from iconic British television character Doctor Who while looking for ways to find calm in chaos.

Whether in an airport, a classroom, or a boardroom, this episode encourages listeners to show up fully—because how we respond matters more than having all the answers.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to Beyond Our Walls wherever you get your podcasts and check out the newsletter at beyondourwalls.substack.com.

Your support means everything! Like what you hear? Maybe buy me a coffee?

Find more from Tim at bio.link/timothy.

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In the first episode of the rebirth of Beyond Our Walls: The Podcast on Substack, host Tim Dawkins dives into the power of vulnerability and empathy in leadership. Tim shares his journey of being labeled "soft" throughout his educational career and explores how vulnerability, often seen as a weakness, can actually be a profound leadership strength.

This episode also introduces segments to keep the conversation dynamic, including:

* Leadership in Pop Culture: A look at Ted Lasso and how his vulnerability creates trust and connection.

* Mindfulness Moment: A quick breathing exercise to help listeners stay present.

* Leadership Challenge for the Week: A prompt for embracing vulnerability in your daily life.

Join Tim as he lays the foundation for the podcast’s future, sharing insights, personal anecdotes, and practical leadership strategies. Whether you work in education or are simply a lifelong learner, this episode is packed with meaningful reflections and actionable takeaways for anyone who wants to connect with others.

Subscribe, listen here or anywhere you get your podcasts, and step beyond the walls of traditional leadership—because this is just the beginning!

Your support means everything! Like what you hear? Maybe buy me a coffee?

Connect with Tim online at bio.link/Timothy.

Get full access to Beyond Our Walls at beyondourwalls.substack.com/subscribe

This week, Jerilyn and Tim discuss the burgeoning panic over something called "learning loss" and how to own and reframe the narrative being created around teacher and student innovation during the Pandemic. Jerilyn discovers that she is an early Gen-Xer, and Tim learns that even something as innocent as savings bonds separate the generations.

Connect with Tim and Jerilyn on Twitter: @timdawks and @jerstellato

Shout Outs: 

• Too Much Focus on ‘Learning Loss’ Will Be a Historic Mistake


• ‘Learning Loss, in General, Is a Misnomer': Study Shows Kids Made Progress During COVID-19

Leave us a voicemail on our website, anchor.fm/beyondourwalls

Follow Beyond Our Walls on Instagram at Instagram.com/beyondourwallspodcast.

Opening and Closing Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod, Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday, License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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After laughing at (with?) Tim and his new-found journey to a regular yoga practice, Jerilyn interviews virtual elementary school teacher Cathy Geniti about her experience this year teaching third graders over the computer including how she has worked to build relationships without actually meeting her students face-to-face. A big thanks to Cathy for her willingness to be vulnerable and honest about her role this year. The hosts closeout the discussion by focusing on restorative approaches to community building and what seems to be a startling shift toward this podcast being focused on exercise. 
Note: We know that this episode is long overdue (as in, like, 3 weeks), and we promise to do better moving forward!
Shout Out: Yoga With Adriene
Follow Beyond Our Walls on Instagram at Instagram.com/beyondourwallspodcast.
Opening and Closing Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod, Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday, License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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This week, Jerilyn and Tim discuss the all-or-nothing approach to St. Patrick's Day and the stressors of home improvement. More importantly, they highlight the voices of four high school students who talk about how they're doing right now and what they need from adults moving forward. Jerilyn shouts-out pandemic baking. Tim gives thanks for technology (and central air conditioning).
Connect with Tim and Jerilyn on Twitter: @timdawks and @jerstellato

Shoutouts:

King Arthur Flour's Sourdough Bread Recipe

Opening Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod, Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday, License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Outro Music: Drops of Brandy - The Mountain Kid by Aislinn

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This week, Jerilyn and Tim share the joy of spending time in elementary classrooms, starting your day in coffee shops, and getting back into routines. Special guest, Tom Murray, talks about how the world of education has changed since March of 2020. Jerilyn sticks with yoga. Tim writes about his feelings.

Connect with Tim and Jerilyn on Twitter: @timdawks and @jerstellato

Shout Outs:

Learn more about Tom and connect to his socials at thomascmurray.com.

Jerilyn's favorite yoga is Yoga with Adriene.

Opening and Closing Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod, Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday, License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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