Panther Pulse

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Taylor, principal of Park Brook Elementary in Brooklyn Park MN, to explore how he transformed a school struggling with high suspensions and behavioral challenges into a thriving, engaged learning community. Scott shares how leveraging health, fitness, and physical education has been central to creating a positive school culture, improving student behavior, and even helping with academics. Whether you’re a school leader, educator, or parent, this episode offers insights into how well-being and movement can change the trajectory of a school.

In this episode, Tom sits down with veteran sales leader, podcast host, and coach Drew Norton to talk about the moment that changed everything.

When Drew’s six-month-old son stopped breathing, and his wife performed CPR to save his life, it forced him to confront a deeper question: Who am I really becoming?

That wake-up call accelerated a journey Drew had already begun, one focused on self-leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility. Since then, he’s lost 100 pounds, led his company in sales, and now helps men build strength in four key areas: faith, family, fitness, and finance.

This conversation dives into how personal discipline becomes professional power, why real leadership starts within, and what it means to become “The Everyday Sales Leader.”

In this episode, Tom sits down with English teacher, school leader, and now mystery author Kate Laack to talk about her newest book, "By Any Other Name".

The novel follows a woman who discovers a book in an airport bookstore, a book she wrote but never published. What unfolds is a modern “whodunit” that explores authorship, creativity, and what happens when your words are no longer fully yours.

Kate shares how her own books were used to train AI models without her permission, how that reality shifted her views on publishing, and why she chose to self-publish. This conversation dives into the writing process, the ethics of AI, and why human creativity still matters in a world where machines can generate stories in seconds.

Check out Kate's Books Below!

https://katelaack.com/

In this episode, we sit down with James McLamb, founder and CEO of Generation Youth. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, author, and speaker, James has dedicated his life to equipping young people with the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead creatively and courageously.

Together, we explore what leadership looks like for today’s teens, how schools and communities can empower youth, and what practical steps young leaders can take right now to make an impact.

In this episode of Panther Pulse, Tom sits down with Charlie Baldwin, a breathwork and resilience educator who has taught at institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon and worked with first responders, students, and people rebuilding their lives.

In a world where young people feel overstimulated, stressed, and constantly “on,” Charlie shares simple, science-backed techniques that actually help. No clichés. No spiritual fluff. Just practical tools you can use immediately to calm your nervous system, build resilience, and show up better in school, sports, and life.

During the isolation of COVID, Bryan Severance gathered 30 people for daily virtual rides. What started as funny bios and friendly competition quickly grew into a town-wide movement...and eventually became Moove.

In this conversation, Bryan shares how sports, comedy, and reality TV unexpectedly prepared him to build a platform centered on connection through movement. We talk about motivation, accountability, gamifying fitness, balancing entrepreneurship with raising three daughters, and why small daily actions can transform communities.

If you’re interested in building stronger teams, healthier habits, or meaningful connections through movement, this episode delivers practical inspiration you can use!

In this episode of the Panther Pulse, we sit down with two students who have spent part of their high school journey in the Alternative Learning Program (ALP).

They share their honest experiences, from their first impressions of ALP to the moments when graduation began to feel possible. Along the way, we talk about personal growth, the importance of supportive relationships, and what they’ve learned about themselves through challenges.

Their stories are a reminder that there are many paths to success, and that with the right support and perseverance, students can find their way forward.

This conversation is full of reflection, encouragement, and hope for any student struggling to see the path ahead.

Why do so many well-intentioned efforts to improve engagement, well-being, and performance fall short? In this episode of The Panther Pulse, I’m joined by Lisa Riegel, educator, researcher, author, and expert in the neuroscience of engagement. With over 25 years of experience working in schools and organizations, Lisa helps leaders, educators, and families understand how the brain drives behavior, motivation, and resilience.

Together, we explore how stress hijacks thinking, why self-awareness is foundational for emotional regulation, and how schools, families, and individuals can move from compliance to true commitment. This conversation offers practical, brain-based insights for students navigating pressure, educators facing burnout, and parents supporting kids in a complex world.

What happens when extraordinary potential collides with trauma, addiction, and devastating choices and then meets grace? In this episode of The Panther Pulse, I sit down with Ken Miller, speaker, author, and coach, whose life journey spans Ivy League classrooms, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and ultimately redemption and purpose.

Ken shares how identity, accountability, mentorship, and small intentional choices helped him rebuild his life from rock bottom. This is not a polished fairytale; it’s a raw, honest conversation about becoming, forgiveness, resilience, and why your past does not get the final word.

Whether you’re a student, educator, parent, or someone navigating their own reset, this episode is a reminder that no matter how far you’ve fallen, it’s always possible to rise.

Tom sits down with Robert LoCascio, founder of LivePerson, to explore how AI is reshaping childhood, creativity, and human connection.

After decades leading one of the world’s pioneering conversational AI companies, Rob shares why he’s now focused on building kid-centered, human-first technology — and what young people will need to thrive in an AI-driven future.

A thought-provoking conversation for parents, educators, and students navigating screen time, mental wellness, and the evolving role of AI.