🎙️ Season 2, Episode 8: "Cutting Strawberries, Lumberjacks, and Hidden Leadership"

In this episode, Joe and Al dig into the unexpected moments that reveal the heart of leadership—from cutting strawberries with care to the surprising lessons learned from lumberjacks. They explore how the small, behind-the-scenes actions often carry the most weight and shine a light on the power of quiet influence.

Whether you're leading a school, a team, or just trying to make a difference, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and reflections on how true leadership often shows up in the most unexpected ways.

🎙️ Season 2, Episode #7: Thick Skin Feedback & A Trip to Boston

In this episode, Joe and Al dive into the art of receiving and responding to feedback—with thick skin and an open mind. From hallway conversations to formal evaluations, they explore how leaders can embrace feedback as a growth tool rather than a personal attack.

Plus, Joe recaps his recent trip to Boston!

Whether you're leading a building or leading a classroom, this episode will leave you thinking about how you take feedback—and what you do with it.

In this episode of The Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al dive into the meaning behind PILY and why it holds significance in leadership and education. Is it a mindset?

Join us for another insightful conversation packed with practical takeaways, a bit of humor, and the leadership wisdom you’ve come to expect!

🎧 Listen now and find out—What does PILY really mean?

In this episode of The Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al catch up after a wild few weeks. From unexpected hotel room chaos to battling pneumonia, and even shedding 14 lbs, they cover it all. Tune in for some laughs, leadership reflections, and a reminder that life as a principal is never boring.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! #PrincipalsLeadershipLounge #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife

Episode Description – Season 2, Episode 4

🎙️Principals' Leadership Lounge – S2E4: Sweatshirt Press, Principal Guilt, and Rom-Coms

In this episode,Joe and Al dive into the world ofschool spirit and swag as they talk about the art (and occasional stress) ofpressing sweatshirts for staff and students. They also open up about"principal guilt"—the constant balancing act between work, family, and self-care.

To keep things light, they wrap up with a fun chat aboutromantic comedies and how they’re incorporating astaff Valentine's Day activity centered aroundeveryone’s favorite rom-coms! A little friendly debate, some unexpected favorites, and a creative way to bring staff together for the holiday.

Tune in for laughs, insights, and relatable moments from thePrincipals’ Leadership Lounge!

The midpoint of the school year is a critical time—it’s easy to settle into routines, but what if we took this moment to disrupt, reflect, and reignite our leadership? In this episode of Principals’ Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al dive into the power of intentional disruption to refocus priorities, boost morale, and ensure the second half of the year is even stronger than the first.

We’ll explore strategies for re-engaging staff, students, and ourselves as leaders. Whether it’s adjusting goals, sparking fresh energy in your team, or rethinking systems, this episode is packed with insights to help you finish the year strong.

Episode Description for S2 Episode 2: "Underestimation, The Visit, Joe's Tub Club Challenge"

In this dynamic episode, the Principals' Leadership Lounge takes a deep dive into the power of perspective and perseverance. Joe and Al unpack the challenges of underestimation.

The conversation heats up as they discuss The Visit—As al prepares to bring staff from Granger to Old Quarry.

Finally, in a lighter (and sweatier) moment, Joe shares the details of his Tub Club Challenge—a personal journey to health and balance while navigating the demands of leadership. Will his 4:30 AM treadmill sessions pay off?

Tune in for a blend of humor, heart, and hard-hitting leadership insights that will leave you inspired to lead with intention.

Season 2, Episode 1: "Ted Lasso, Fish Tanks, and Adaptive Leadership"

Welcome to Season 2 of the Principals' Leadership Lounge! In this premiere episode, Joe and Al kick off the season with an inspiring conversation about adaptive leadership through the lens of two intriguing analogies: Ted Lasso and fish tanks.

Join the dynamic duo as they explore how the positivity, empathy, and team-building showcased in Ted Lasso can translate to effective school leadership. Then, dive into the world of fish tanks—yes, fish tanks!

Episode 17: Season Finale – Reflecting, Celebrating, and Looking Ahead

In the Season 1 finale of The Principal’s Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al wrap up an incredible season by reflecting on the most memorable moments, inspiring guest stories, and key takeaways that have shaped this journey. They celebrate the impactful conversations that have fueled growth and leadership for principals and assistant principals everywhere.

But this is just the beginning! In this episode, they also unveil exciting plans for 2025, including the launch of the first-ever Principal’s Leadership Lounge Cohort, a unique opportunity for school leaders to connect and grow together twice a month.

Don’t miss this special finale packed with gratitude, inspiration, and a sneak peek into what’s next for the Lounge. It’s a celebration of leadership, collaboration, and the impact of educators everywhere. 🛋️🎙️

Episode 16: The Week Before the Week & Teacher Self-Care Wishlists – Is That a Thing?
In this episode, Joe and Al tackle the "week before the week" – that strange, chaotic lead-up to the holidays when schedules get tricky and tensions run high. They also explore the concept of teacher self-care wishlists: What would educators really ask for if they could prioritize their well-being?