Schurtz and Ties: A podcast about education and culture

What can the rules of improv teach us about life and education?

Tons.

In this conversation with Bob Kulhan—improv veteran, executive educator, and founder of Business Improv—we take “Yes, and…” off the stage and into real life, where the stakes are higher and the lessons cut deeper. Bob shows how improv fuels trust, sparks creativity, and equips teachers and leaders to face the unexpected with courage and grace.

Bob’s stories remind us that adaptability isn’t just a skill for the stage; it’s a way of living and leading. Whether in a classroom, a school, or at home, the mindset of improv invites us to listen, engage, and keep showing up—even when things don’t go as planned. This episode is as fun as it is practical, and it might just shift the way you see your work and your relationships.

If you want to connect more with Bob Kulhan and his content, you can find him at the following:
- businessimprov.com [email protected]Twitter - @BizImprov

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

On April 20, 1999, Columbine shattered America’s sense of safety in schools. Since then, more than 400 school shootings have followed — each new number added to a grim tally, each headline fading too quickly.

But behind every statistic is a story, a family, a wound that never fully heals.

In this episode, we sit down with survivors of the Evergreen High School shooting — mother and son, Vivian and Keegan Cox. Together, we turn statistics back into tragedy: to remember, to listen, and to learn.

Our conversation goes beyond the headlines. We talk about the quiet aftermath and the details that linger long after the cameras leave. We wrestle with warnings that went unheeded, celebrate the helpers who stepped in, and acknowledge the slow, complicated work of healing.

Most of all, we ask: What can we do? How do we ensure these stories are not just tragedies of the past, but calls to action for the future?

Thank you, Vivian and Keegan, for sharing your story — for speaking up and out, and for choosing courage, even when it sounds a lot like silence.

*A gentle warning: This episode contains a difficult but important conversation about school shootings, loss, and healing. Please listen with care.

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

Bullies get things done—but do they create lasting value? Most often, no. So why do they still attract followers? Because they often embody the Six Traits of Being Cool: extraverted, hedonistic, powerful, adventurous, open, and autonomous.

In this episode, Kasey and Brian unpack these six traits—why they’re so attractive, how they can be both magnetic and destructive, and what we can do about it in our schools, our homes, and in our personal lives.

References:

- The 6-Traits of Being Cool

- At the Table Podcast, "Stop Trying to be Cool"

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

Today, we're honored to host a distinguished guest—someone who navigates the crossroads of leadership, culture, and transformation with both strategy and soul. Please welcome Sydney Jacques, a Next Level Leadership Strategist who knows that great cultures aren’t accidental—they’re built by design.

With over 25 years of leadership experience and a background as a professional engineer turned keynote speaker, Sydne has partnered with more than 600 teams—across industries—to reduce turnover, build trust, and ignite alignment that actually lasts.

But there’s one concept that keeps rising to the top when we talk shop: her signature Upper Arrow Growth Model™. Think of it as a guiding compass—pointing you upward toward engagement, intentional culture, and retention that doesn’t just stick—it thrives.

In today’s conversation, we’re excited to explore with Sydne:

• What it means to lead with the “upper arrow” in mind—beyond reacting, and towards designing your culture with purpose.

• How shifting from reactive modes to intentional leadership can transform team morale, trust, and loyalty.

• Real stories from workplaces she’s helped boost—and how her frameworks turned disengaged teams into connected, committed powerhouses.

You can discover more about Sydne Jacques on her website, or through her book, Build What Matters.

As always, thank you for joining us! We are thrilled to have you on the show and look forward to any feedback you can provide.

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

Bullies can get things done.
But humble leaders? They’re the ones who inspire lasting change—and the ones we actually remember.

In this conversation, John Dickson pulls us back to the heartbeat of life and leadership: humility. He’s not just speaking from theory, either. John’s a professional singer-songwriter, author of more than 20 books, a historian, speaker, and media presenter. He’s spent his life weaving words, music, and history into stories that shape how we see the world—and ourselves.

This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and consider how humility might just be the most powerful leadership tool we’ve been overlooking.

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

Welcome to Season 4 of Schurtz and Ties! Each season, we’ve tried to dig a little deeper into the stories, voices, and questions that shape education, leadership, and life. And we are thrilled to get back after it again!

Whether you’re a teacher in the classroom, a parent at home, or a leader guiding others, these stories are for you.

Thank you for joining us!

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

As Season 3 of Schurtz and Ties comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the powerful conversations, unexpected insights, and inspiring guests that have shaped this season. From bold truths about leadership to heartfelt stories from the frontlines of education, this finale is a celebration of the year. The growth, grit, and moments of humanity that keep us grounded and showing up, day after day.

Join us as we look back on the highlights, share what we’ve learned, and celebrate all the men and women who have helped this show.

Thank you for spending time with us this season! If you have any suggestions, encouragements, or thoughts, please do not hesitate to reach out! We'd love to hear from you: [email protected]

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

If you want to talk about education and culture, the conversation must include Jimmy Casas.

Mr Casas served twenty-two years as a school leader, is a best-selling author, speaker, leadership coach, and a state and national award-winning principal. And in this episode, he brings all of his wisdom and expertise in a way only Jimmy Casas can: directly, tangibly, and full of humanity.

You can find more about Jimmy Casas and building culture at Jimmycasas.com and find his book Culturize: Every Student. Every Day. Whatever It Takes on Amazon.

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

Spring is (mostly) here! Which means students and teachers need to get outside.

This week, we head to Alberta, Canada to talk with outdoor enthusiast Court Rustemeyer about something every educator should hear: how just five minutes outside can transform a student’s day.

From boosting focus to calming anxiety, Court shares the science and stories behind the outdoors as a classroom for holistic health. Whether it's a hike or a breath of fresh air between classes, this episode is a reminder that better learners start with better living—one step outside at a time.

You can learn more about Court and his outdoor adventure ideas on his website, courtrustemeyer.com.

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking

Mr. Whitaker is a familiar voice in education. The author of bestsellers such as What Great Teachers Do Differently, What Great Principals Do Differently, and, most recently, How to Get All Teachers to Become Like the Best Teachers, Mr. Whitaker brings tangible systems and actions that can impact our classrooms and schools, today.

And this episode is no different.

From teaching the basics to ensuring the best teachers are doing the best work, Mr. Whitaker brings his wisdom, sense of humor, and expertise and packs it all into a fifty-minute conversation. And it is brilliant!

You can find more resources from Todd Whitaker on his website, at toddwhitaker.com, follow him on X (@toddwhitaker), or send him an email at [email protected]

Show Sponsors: Schurtz and Ties is a proud partner with⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TeachBetter.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: "The Teach Better Podcast Network is dedicated to supporting the entire school ecosystem through in-depth conversations around topics you care about. Covering a variety of areas in education, each podcast aims to support educators in the field toward creating and maintaining a progressive, student-focused classroom."

Please reach out and let us know your thoughts or share a topic:

X: @SchurtzandTies

Gmail: [email protected]

#DoGreatThings and #KeepKnocking