Change Starts Here

This episode explores a research informed lens for educator wellbeing, separating the brain’s wanting and needing systems and showing how chronic stress can push teachers to ignore needs until the tank runs dry. Dr. Eve Miller and Kim Yaris connect the science to lived experience, translating the model into clear metaphors and practical, repeatable moves that help educators respond instead of react.

You will leave with a compact framework and quick resets that fit real life, from a one minute want,need check to habits that keep fuel in the tank before burnout hits. The goal is sustainable energy, steadier classrooms, and a culture that normalizes care as part of excellent practice. If this resonates, like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who could use a refuel.

Hosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)

Download the handout:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/fy26_rc-podcast-hand?x=a9GxTN

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:22) Welcome

(00:22 - 01:28) Why now

(01:28 - 04:24) The 46 percent reality

(04:24 - 06:23) Wanting vs needing, the model

(06:23 - 07:38) Accelerator and gas gauge

(07:38 - 09:36) Tuning out needs under stress

(09:36 - 11:17) The parent call example

(11:17 - 13:31) Survival mode and culture cues

(13:31 - 15:17) Normalize needs at work

(15:17 - 18:20) Quick practices you can start

(18:20 - 20:04) Close and CTA

This episode explores how culture actually grows in schools, not through one big initiative, but through tiny moments that build trust, belonging, and momentum. Host Ashley Carranco talks with celebrated Keynote Speaker and Program Facilitator, Phil Boyte, about practical ways leaders can connect with people first, pace culture work across the year, and design simple rituals that make staff and students feel seen. The focus is on doable moves, relationship builders, and the mindset shift that helps teams sustain energy during the long middle of the year.

You will hear the case for starting with willing believers, celebrating small wins, and protecting leader energy through intentional habits. The aim is a campus where people want to be, where community beats isolation, and where culture and values lead the way. If you are ready to elevate connection and consistency, this episode gives you a practical path to try this month.

Download, Tiny Moments Starter Pack:

https://gl256.infusionsoft.app/app/form/2025conferenceleads

Email [email protected] or visit https://www.learningforliving.com/ for more from Phil!

Host: Ashley Carranco, Leader in Me Coach

Guest: Phil Boyte, Keynote Speaker and Program Facilitator

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:19) Culture buy in

(00:19 - 01:31) Open

(01:31 - 02:26) Student voice

(02:26 - 04:11) Preparing kids for life

(04:11 - 05:22) Tiny Moment cards

(05:22 - 07:28) Relationship builders

(07:28 - 09:18) Trust through stories

(09:18 - 12:19) What matters most

(12:19 - 14:31) The people first model

(14:31 - 18:05) Quick wins

(18:05 - 22:59) 90 second pause

(22:59 - 29:49) Staff designed culture

(29:49 - 37:49) Care for leaders

(37:49 - 38:54) Outro

This episode explores how culture actually grows in schools, not through one big initiative, but through tiny moments that build trust, belonging, and momentum. Host Ashley Carranco talks with celebrated Keynote Speaker and Program Facilitator, Phil Boyte, about practical ways leaders can connect with people first, pace culture work across the year, and design simple rituals that make staff and students feel seen. The focus is on doable moves, relationship builders, and the mindset shift that helps teams sustain energy during the long middle of the year.

You will hear the case for starting with willing believers, celebrating small wins, and protecting leader energy through intentional habits. The aim is a campus where people want to be, where community beats isolation, and where culture and values lead the way. If you are ready to elevate connection and consistency, this episode gives you a practical path to try this month.

Download, Tiny Moments Starter Pack:

https://gl256.infusionsoft.app/app/form/2025conferenceleads

Email [email protected] or visit https://www.learningforliving.com/ for more from Phil!

Host: Ashley Carranco, Leader in Me Coach

Guest: Phil Boyte, Keynote Speaker and Program Facilitator

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:19) Culture buy in

(00:19 - 01:31) Open

(01:31 - 02:26) Student voice

(02:26 - 04:11) Preparing kids for life

(04:11 - 05:22) Tiny Moment cards

(05:22 - 07:28) Relationship builders

(07:28 - 09:18) Trust through stories

(09:18 - 12:19) What matters most

(12:19 - 14:31) The people first model

(14:31 - 18:05) Quick wins

(18:05 - 22:59) 90 second pause

(22:59 - 29:49) Staff designed culture

(29:49 - 37:49) Care for leaders

(37:49 - 38:54) Outro

This episode invites educators to rethink how they relate to themselves in the work, treating self compassion as a practical leadership stance rather than a luxury. The lens is simple, care for the adult nervous system, and the classroom becomes steadier, more curious, and more humane. The aim is not lower expectations, it is wiser energy, clearer choices, and a climate where mistakes are part of growth, for students and adults alike.

You will leave with a compact mental model and a few resets that fit real life, short, repeatable moves that help you respond instead of react. Think of it as strengthening the conditions for teaching and learning, so purpose lasts longer, relationships feel safer, and the daily culture tilts toward learning rather than depletion.

Download the handout:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/icsh_k12

Download the Staff Booster:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/sbics_k12

Hosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:15) Show open

(00:15 - 00:29) Why stress now

(00:29 - 01:40) What self compassion is

(01:41 - 02:35) Map and load

(02:36 - 03:39) Story from class

(03:44 - 05:09) Allostatic load

(05:09 - 06:46) Push through culture

(07:28 - 08:22) Define it clearly

(08:23 - 10:45) Three parts

(11:02 - 12:08) Critic to coach

(13:21 - 15:29) Research snapshot

(18:07 - 22:38) Quick practices

(22:59 - 25:57) Ripple and close

This episode invites educators to rethink how they relate to themselves in the work, treating self compassion as a practical leadership stance rather than a luxury. The lens is simple, care for the adult nervous system, and the classroom becomes steadier, more curious, and more humane. The aim is not lower expectations, it is wiser energy, clearer choices, and a climate where mistakes are part of growth, for students and adults alike.

You will leave with a compact mental model and a few resets that fit real life, short, repeatable moves that help you respond instead of react. Think of it as strengthening the conditions for teaching and learning, so purpose lasts longer, relationships feel safer, and the daily culture tilts toward learning rather than depletion.

Download the handout:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/icsh_k12

Download the Staff Booster:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/sbics_k12

Hosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:15) Show open

(00:15 - 00:29) Why stress now

(00:29 - 01:40) What self compassion is

(01:41 - 02:35) Map and load

(02:36 - 03:39) Story from class

(03:44 - 05:09) Allostatic load

(05:09 - 06:46) Push through culture

(07:28 - 08:22) Define it clearly

(08:23 - 10:45) Three parts

(11:02 - 12:08) Critic to coach

(13:21 - 15:29) Research snapshot

(18:07 - 22:38) Quick practices

(22:59 - 25:57) Ripple and close

Across the country, proficiency is sliding and absenteeism is climbing, yet there is a practical path that moves the needle. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham makes a case for student ownership as the missing engine behind academic improvement, engagement, and long term readiness. Dustin connects national context to daily classroom reality, then shows what ownership actually looks like, students tracking goals, reflecting on data, leading discussions, and taking the mic in conferences with families. He explains why even small shifts can spark big belief, and why strategies do not stick without a culture that invites students to lead their own learning. If you are a district leader, principal, or teacher who wants higher engagement and better results, let your students run the classroom, and see how they take off.

Host: Dustin Odham

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:24) Open and setup.

(00:24 - 01:08) The problem, proficiency and real world stakes.

(01:08 - 01:56) Why it matters, college, STEM, equity.

(01:56 - 02:25) Absenteeism scale and urgency.

(02:25 - 02:57) Paradigm shift, from academics only to ownership.

(02:57 - 03:27) Research lens, Hattie and Dweck.

(03:27 - 04:18) Culture first, strategies do not stick without it.

(04:18 - 05:10) What ownership looks like in practice.

(05:10 - 05:34) Ripple effects, attendance, engagement, academics.

(05:34 - 06:05) Beyond school, workforce and citizenship.

(06:05 - 06:44) Early adopters and encouragement.

(06:44 - 07:38) Calls to action, district, principal, teacher moves.

(07:38 - 08:05) Small shifts that spark ownership.

(08:05 - 08:32) Instruction plus empowerment, partnership mindset.

(08:32 - 09:25) Subscribe, share, and season vision.

(09:25 - 09:44) Outro.

Across the country, proficiency is sliding and absenteeism is climbing, yet there is a practical path that moves the needle. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham makes a case for student ownership as the missing engine behind academic improvement, engagement, and long term readiness. Dustin connects national context to daily classroom reality, then shows what ownership actually looks like, students tracking goals, reflecting on data, leading discussions, and taking the mic in conferences with families. He explains why even small shifts can spark big belief, and why strategies do not stick without a culture that invites students to lead their own learning. If you are a district leader, principal, or teacher who wants higher engagement and better results, let your students run the classroom, and see how they take off.

Host: Dustin Odham

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:24) Open and setup.

(00:24 - 01:08) The problem, proficiency and real world stakes.

(01:08 - 01:56) Why it matters, college, STEM, equity.

(01:56 - 02:25) Absenteeism scale and urgency.

(02:25 - 02:57) Paradigm shift, from academics only to ownership.

(02:57 - 03:27) Research lens, Hattie and Dweck.

(03:27 - 04:18) Culture first, strategies do not stick without it.

(04:18 - 05:10) What ownership looks like in practice.

(05:10 - 05:34) Ripple effects, attendance, engagement, academics.

(05:34 - 06:05) Beyond school, workforce and citizenship.

(06:05 - 06:44) Early adopters and encouragement.

(06:44 - 07:38) Calls to action, district, principal, teacher moves.

(07:38 - 08:05) Small shifts that spark ownership.

(08:05 - 08:32) Instruction plus empowerment, partnership mindset.

(08:32 - 09:25) Subscribe, share, and season vision.

(09:25 - 09:44) Outro.

Funding challenges often feel like the biggest barrier in education, but with the right strategy, leaders can avoid common pitfalls and unlock new opportunities. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with FranklinCovey Education’s Director of Funding, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, to explore the three most common missteps districts face on the road to funding, and how to overcome them.

Jennifer draws on her experiences as a teacher, instructional coach, and grant writer to share practical ways schools can proactively plan for funding, build cross-functional teams, and align with funder priorities. From understanding the funding cycle to cultivating community partnerships and responsibly using AI in grant writing, she offers actionable steps every leader can take to secure sustainable resources.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that will help superintendents, principals, and educators reframe funding as an opportunity for growth, alignment, and long-term success.

Download the funding resource:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/csf_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 – 02:32) Introduction and Jennifer’s background

(02:33 – 07:00) First Misstep: Waiting until funding is urgently needed

(07:01 – 11:00) Building proactive calendars and funding roadmaps

(11:01 – 14:30) Second Misstep: Trying to go it alone

(14:31 – 18:59) Building a cross-functional funding team

(19:00 – 23:45) Third Misstep: Misalignment with funder priorities

(23:46 – 27:00) Understanding priorities and mapping alignment

(27:01 – 31:00) Responsible use of AI in funding applications

(31:01 – 34:59) Practical steps leaders can take this week

(35:00 – 38:23) Private vs. public funding and long-term stability

(38:24 – 41:00) The importance of relationships and connections

(41:01 – 44:30) Encouragement for leaders who feel stuck

(44:31 – 47:00) Closing thoughts and next steps

Funding challenges often feel like the biggest barrier in education, but with the right strategy, leaders can avoid common pitfalls and unlock new opportunities. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with FranklinCovey Education’s Director of Funding, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, to explore the three most common missteps districts face on the road to funding, and how to overcome them.

Jennifer draws on her experiences as a teacher, instructional coach, and grant writer to share practical ways schools can proactively plan for funding, build cross-functional teams, and align with funder priorities. From understanding the funding cycle to cultivating community partnerships and responsibly using AI in grant writing, she offers actionable steps every leader can take to secure sustainable resources.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that will help superintendents, principals, and educators reframe funding as an opportunity for growth, alignment, and long-term success.

Download the funding resource:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/csf_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 – 02:32) Introduction and Jennifer’s background

(02:33 – 07:00) First Misstep: Waiting until funding is urgently needed

(07:01 – 11:00) Building proactive calendars and funding roadmaps

(11:01 – 14:30) Second Misstep: Trying to go it alone

(14:31 – 18:59) Building a cross-functional funding team

(19:00 – 23:45) Third Misstep: Misalignment with funder priorities

(23:46 – 27:00) Understanding priorities and mapping alignment

(27:01 – 31:00) Responsible use of AI in funding applications

(31:01 – 34:59) Practical steps leaders can take this week

(35:00 – 38:23) Private vs. public funding and long-term stability

(38:24 – 41:00) The importance of relationships and connections

(41:01 – 44:30) Encouragement for leaders who feel stuck

(44:31 – 47:00) Closing thoughts and next steps

Chronic absenteeism has become one of the biggest challenges facing schools today. Nationally, nearly one in four students misses more than 10% of the school year, an alarming increase since the pandemic. In this episode of Change Starts Here, we dig into the data, the “why” behind the trend, and most importantly, what leaders and teachers can do about it.

Through real stories from the field, including an excerpt from principal John Thompson of Republic High School, we see how focusing on belonging helped reverse a years-long decline in attendance. The episode also highlights three powerful reasons students are still missing school, because it feels optional, boring, or uninviting, and offers practical, research-based strategies to address each one.

If you are looking for actionable ways to bring students back into classrooms and create schools where every child feels motivated to attend, this conversation is for you.

Do not forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Change Starts Here.

Download the Staff Booster:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/mspswb_k12

Download the Our Handouts:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/wsasu_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Kim Yaris. M.Ed.

Timestamps:

(00:00, 00:15) Open, Show ID

(00:15, 00:49) Why Attendance Now

(00:50, 01:33) Chronic Absenteeism, Defined

(01:33, 02:08) Why It Matters

(02:08, 03:12) Hearing from John Thomspon

(03:12, 04:17) The Numbers

(04:17, 05:12) Why Rates Stay High

(05:12, 06:25) Reason 1, Optional

(06:25, 07:37) Reason 2, Boring

(07:38, 08:24) Reason 3, Uninviting

(08:49, 09:12) Solutions Start

(09:12, 10:29) Strategy 1, Irreplaceable Learning

(10:29, 11:50) Strategy 2, Make It Relevant

(11:50, 13:26) Strategy 3, Relationships and Resources