In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, Brett Smith hosts assistant superintendent Scott Carpenter and Dr. Maddie Koenig, principal of Greenwood Elementary. They discuss the intricate preparations required for a smooth start to the school year, focusing on the frantic summer months leading up to the first day of school. Dr. Koenig shares her journey to becoming a principal and her love for Greenwood. The guests delve into the complexities of school schedules, the challenges of having limited preparation time with staff, and the processes of class placement. Highlights include the significance of setting a positive tone with staff and the cooperation needed to comply with new policies, such as the cell phone executive order. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude towards the school community for their support and collaboration.

In the final episode of the Fit to Teach podcast, Edgar and Nathan, interns at the LEAP Lab, offer insights into the importance of balance in life. They discuss maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper habits like protein consumption, sleep hygiene, and engaging in diverse physical activities. They emphasize that while discipline is necessary for healthy living, indulgences during vacations and breaks are important for mental well-being. Topics covered include finding new hobbies, the benefits of rest, and the importance of varied stimuli for overall fitness. The episode reflects on key lessons from the past year and encourages listeners to continue their wellness journey with balance and enjoyment.

In this episode of FIT to Teach, hosts Nathan Marshall and Edgar Romero, both senior exercise science students, discuss the differences between intuitive eating and calorie tracking. They emphasize the benefits of focusing on macronutrients—protein, fat, and carbohydrates—over simply counting calories. Key points include the recommended daily protein intake based on physical activity levels, strategies for including enough protein in meals, and the importance of fats and carbohydrates for overall health. The episode also covers mindful eating habits, such as shopping on the perimeter of grocery stores, eating slowly, and being more conscious of portion sizes. They conclude by advising balance and moderation in dietary habits to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

In this episode of Fit to Teach, host Nathan Marshall and guest Edgar Romero discuss various approaches to recovery for athletes and active individuals. They cover essential recovery techniques like proper sleep, nutrition, and foam rolling. They also delve into more specific methods such as recovery shakes, balanced meals post-workout, and the use of massage guns and normatec boots. The conversation emphasizes the importance of dynamic warmups and static cooldowns to prevent injury and improve performance. Additionally, Nathan and Edgar address the use of saunas and ice baths, explaining their potential strain on the body and advising to treat them as part of the training load. They also highlight the significance of maintenance and individualized recovery strategies, along with the value of seeking professional support from physical therapists and chiropractors.

In this episode of FIT to Teach, Kyle Pfaffenbach, an associate professor at Eastern Oregon University, and LEAP intern Nathan Marshall discuss the importance of proper nutrition around exercise. They cover pre-workout meal timing, highlighting the optimal times to consume carbohydrates to enhance performance and avoid sluggishness. They also delve into intra-exercise nutrition, recommending simple sugars and sports drinks to maintain energy levels. Post-exercise nutrition emphasizes the importance of protein intake for recovery. The aim is to build sustainable healthy habits by trying different nutritional strategies each week. Listeners are encouraged to send in questions and participate in wellness explorations at EOU’s LEAP lab.

In this episode of Fit to Teach, hosts Kyle Pfaffenbach and Nathan Marshall, discuss the role and effectiveness of dietary supplements for health and wellness. The hosts provide an overview of the supplement industry, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet before resorting to supplements. They discuss well-known supplements such as creatine, vitamin D, fish oil, and magnesium, examining their benefits, safety, and effectiveness based on scientific studies. The conversation highlights how supplements can support overall health, especially in aging populations, and addresses common misconceptions about creatine related to weight gain and hydration. The session concludes with advice on how teachers and staff can incorporate these insights into their wellness routines.

In this episode of FIT to Teach, hosts Kyle Pfaffenbach and Nathan Marshall have an in-depth discussion about caffeine—its benefits, optimal consumption methods, forms, and its performance-enhancing properties. They also touch on the marketing tactics of energy drink companies and offer practical advice for safe and effective caffeine use.

In this episode of Fit to Teach, Kyle Pfaffenbach and Nathan Marshall discuss their personal fitness routines and the importance of balancing activity and rest, especially during spring break. They emphasize the need for educators to use breaks to reset and recharge, avoid overambitious plans, and incorporate achievable health and wellness actions into their routines. They also share their own plans for spring break, stressing the importance of enjoying the present moment and allowing for adequate rest. Tips include integrating variable fitness activities and listening to one's body to maintain long-term wellness.

In this episode of Fit to Teach, hosts Nathan Marshall and Kyle Pfaffenbach welcome Jake Chamberlain, a gym teacher at Central Elementary School in La Grande and an alum of Eastern Oregon University's Health and Human Performance program. The discussion covers the importance of combining weightlifting and running for balanced fitness, how to engage children in physical education, and the value of building personal relationships with students. Jake emphasizes the significance of creating a positive and inclusive environment in PE classes and shares his own routines and strategies for maintaining personal wellness. The conversation also highlights the challenges of transitioning from athletic careers to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and the role of educators in fostering lifelong fitness habits in students.

Hosted by Brett Smith, the Turning Point Podcast features a discussion with Scott Carpenter, Jess Roberts, and Jeff Roberts, highlighting their roles and experiences in the Grand School District. The conversation covers a range of topics including Scott's implementation of a March Madness-inspired attendance competition, Jess's journey from technology to teaching math, and Jeff's transition from business to IT in education. They discuss the challenges and rewards of their work, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the importance of collaboration among different departments within the school district. The episode also underscores the significance of social-emotional learning and community involvement in creating a supportive and effective educational environment. The podcast concludes with recognition of the numerous extracurricular achievements of students in the district.