The Empowered Principal® Podcast

Understanding student behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation can transform the way schools support students, teachers, and families. When we move beyond labels and look at what a child's behavior may be communicating, we create opportunities for connection, learning, and growth.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a leading expert in nervous system regulation and author of The Dysregulated Kid®, about how regulation impacts learning, behavior, and mental health. We discuss why creating more regulated schools starts with helping adults regulate themselves, how shared language and simple strategies can support entire classrooms, and why students don't need to wait for a diagnosis before receiving tools that help them thrive.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/449

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Pre-order Roseann's book, The Dysregulated Kid®, here: https://dysregulatedkid.com/

Authenticity is the foundation of strong leadership and essential for creating lasting impact.

In this episode, I explore the distractions of trends, external opinions, the pressure to fit in, and why chasing these can pull leaders away from their most authentic and powerful selves. I share examples from my experience coaching school leaders and reflect on how the power of authenticity grounds your leadership energy.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/448

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Being a successful school leader requires more than managing schedules and programs; it requires self-awareness, intentionality, and the ability to inspire your staff and students.

In this episode, I share insights from my experience working with school leaders to reveal the habits, mindsets, and strategies that distinguish those who thrive from those who struggle. I explore the differences between leaders who lead from fear, self-doubt, or reactivity, and those who operate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/447

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Leadership isn't about getting people to comply; it's about inspiring them into action.

In this special episode, I introduce The Empowered Principal Academy (EPA), my newest and most comprehensive leadership development program designed to help school leaders master the art of coaching, mentoring, and instructional leadership. I share why coaching is the missing leadership skill that most principals were never taught, yet one that has the power to transform school culture, empower educators, and create a ripple effect that impacts students.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/446

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

A new school year is the perfect opportunity for fresh starts and renewed focus.

In this episode, I share insights on embracing new beginnings in school leadership and introduce The Empowered Principal Academy, my newest program designed to equip leaders with the tools, mindset, and strategies to thrive in their roles.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/445

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Making clear, confident decisions as a school leader can be challenging when multiple priorities, pressures, and competing perspectives pull you in different directions. Finding clarity is not just about making choices but understanding your own mindset, emotions, and the internal signals that guide your decision-making.

In this episode, I explore the concept of leadership clarity and the metaphor of a compass to help you navigate complex situations. I discuss how to pause, observe your thoughts and reactions, and distinguish between fear-based impulses and grounded, intentional action.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/444

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Leadership is full of challenges and competing priorities. It's easy to fall into "all or none" thinking, believing that if one thing goes wrong, the entire day or outcome is a failure.

In this episode, I talk about the concept of the Land of And, a mindset of abundance that allows leaders to hold multiple truths at once, embrace complexity, and approach problems with both clarity and flexibility. I share practical examples from school leadership to illustrate how you can experience joy and success while navigating difficult situations, addressing challenges, and making high-stakes decisions.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/443

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Understanding how students experience and engage with language is key to creating meaningful literacy learning. Yet so often, grammar instruction is approached in a rigid, punitive, or overly prescriptive way, leaving both students and teachers frustrated.

In this episode, I talk with Patty McGee, author of Not Your Granny's Grammar, about how she reimagines grammar instruction to make it engaging, experiential, and student-centered. We explore her philosophy for creating learning experiences in which students can experiment with language, reflect on their writing, and develop confidence, while teachers feel empowered to guide without fear of making mistakes.

Find the full episode show notes, transcript, and a code for 20% off Patty's book here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/442

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Learn more about Patty's work: https://pattymcgee.org/

Disclaimer: Please be advised that this episode contains content related to childhood trauma and a suicide attempt. If these topics are challenging for you, you may wish to skip this episode or seek support.

Understanding how students think, feel, and connect is key to creating meaningful learning experiences. Yet so often, the human side of education is overlooked in favor of purely academic outcomes.

In this episode, I talk with Thayne Martin, a leading expert in experiential neuroscience, about how understanding the brain and emotions can transform the educational experience. We dive into how gratitude, prosocial skills, and experiential learning techniques help students develop resilience, connection, and a sense of belonging. Thayne shares practical strategies for educators and school leaders to incorporate these approaches into classrooms, staff culture, and leadership practices.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/441

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Connect with Thayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaynemartin

The stories we tell ourselves shape the way we lead, the way we see ourselves, and the way we experience the world around us.

In this episode, I explore the disempowering narratives so many school leaders carry about their identity, capability, belonging, and worth. I discuss how comparison, self-doubt, and the belief that we are not enough can quietly influence the decisions we make, the support we accept, and the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue. I also unpack the difference between truly belonging versus simply trying to fit in by pleasing others or hiding parts of ourselves.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/440

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/