We're wishing you a Happy New Year and inviting you to join us on our quest for better sleep and hydration! Among other things, here we explore some of Dr. Matthew Walker's more salient points about sleep science, eventually working our way up to the wellness challenge we toyed with last episode. We'll both be tracking sleep quantity, sleep quality, and water intake for the month of January -- if you want to join us, you can use the listeners' version of our tracking spreadsheet here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yXcU32kwgL7DOMqdxy__oBnFmafSr5ZfoZLj8O0WBKE/copy.

The daily formula is pretty simple: 1 point for every minute of sleep over 6 hours; 10 points for every percent of sleep quality over 75%, and one point for every ounce of water over your daily recommendation (0.5 oz/pound).

If you're tracking with us -- or tracking something else for health and wellness -- let us know! Thanks for listening, and here's to a great start to 2020!

-Matt & Steve

On the cusp of winter break, we sit down to talk books, kids, and positivity. Lots of shouts out (shout outs?) in this one -- thanks for listening and Happy Holidays!

(The author not mentioned is Elaine Aron, btw...)

Image Credit: https://insights.ehotelier.com/insights/2016/08/10/empathy-secret

Lots to catch up on, including concerts and other routine-busting experiences. Props to Hobo Johnson and Naval Ravikant, both of whom feature prominently in this episode's exploration of all the ways we keep trying to break out of boxes in the pursuit of a meaningful existence.

...And, we're back! Kicking off another season of meandering ruminations and explorative conversations. Thanks for listening!

[image credit: https://www.moillusions.com/awesome-twist-on-the-impossible-cube/]

What is it about REAL challenges that make them worth the risk... and what makes us yearn for the next chance to expand our experience? In the final episode of Season Two, we explore what drives us to risk vulnerability as we reach beyond our current abilities, and the importance of trusted coaches who help us improve.

(Special props to Jack Orders, future Olympian; and a link to the Finland "risk-takers" study: https://www.sintef.no/en/latest-news/risk-takers-are-smarter/)

JWMS principal intern Kevin Yates runs it down: when to take a stand, how to just let go, and the importance of recognizing the influence we can have every day.

(Special thanks to Michael Barbaro and his NYTimes podcast "The Daily" for solid reporting and constant inspiration.)

[Image credit: “Tug of War - Pulling Rope.” Wacomms, wacomms.co.uk/brexit-betrayal-sense-reality/tug-of-war-pulling-rope/.]

Tonight we're jamming out with principal Nate Provencio, talking about his award-winning school, Minnieville ES (VA). We run down the fascinating parallels between education, healthcare, Chik-fil-A, and good old Rock 'n Roll.

(To hear more of the music featured in this episode, check out "Trystic" on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, or your favorite streaming service.)

A brief conversation about finding hope in the face of despair, and connections in the face of disparity. Featuring reflections on Cormac McCarthy's novel "The Road" and Kate Tempest's record "Let Them Eat Chaos."

McCarthy, Cormac. The Road. Picador, 2010.

Tempest, Kate. "Let Them Eat Chaos," Lex Records, 2016.

What's it like to "be the County?" In part two of our look at Central Office, we sit down with English Curriculum spokesperson Rachel Bennett to talk about creativity, innovation, engagement, and equity.

When do you feel 100% comfortable saying: "Yeah, I unequivocally vouch for _________!"