In this special preview episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols kick off a new season dedicated to the books that shape how we lead, teach, and grow. From stoic calm to student motivation, from innovation to emotional intelligence, this season explores the ideas that help leaders navigate complexity with clarity and care.

Each featured title offers a unique lens on leadership—helping educators, school heads, and aspiring change-makers think more deeply about resilience, curiosity, and purpose. Jason and Garth connect the dots between powerful ideas and practical application, reminding listeners that great leadership is less about control and more about connection.

Get ready to read, reflect, and lead. This season, Jason and Garth bring together wisdom from the world’s most inspiring thinkers to help you stay grounded, purposeful, and bold—no matter the chaos around you.

Beard's Bookshelf:

1. Calm in the Chaos: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders by Tim Arnold

2. Thrive: How Schools Will Win the Education Revolution by Grant Lichtman

3. The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros

4. The Power of Mattering: Why a Human-Centered Culture Is the Key to Company Success by Zach Mercurio

5. Kids These Days: A Game Plan for (Re)Connecting with Those We Teach, Lead, & Love by Dr. Jodi Carrington

6. 10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager

7. This Is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters by Drew Dudley

8. Leading Through Strategy: A Framework for School Leaders by Tom Olverson

9. Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara

• Resilience is the foundation of effective leadership in uncertain times.

• Motivation in young people thrives when they experience meaning and belonging.

• Innovation starts when leaders model curiosity and continuous learning.

• Leadership is a daily discipline, not a performance.

• Connection and empathy must come before curriculum and compliance.

• A culture of mattering sustains healthy, high-performing organizations.

• Strategic thinking should empower people, not constrain them.

• Calm is a superpower—anchoring leaders amid chaos and change.

  
  

Time:

00:00 – Introduction to the Season Ahead
06:44 – Calm in the Chaos: Stoic Wisdom for Leadership
09:29 – Thrive: Winning the Education Revolution
12:43 – 10 to 25: Motivating Young People
15:38 – The Innovator’s Mindset: Fostering Curiosity
18:31 – This Is Day One: Daily Leadership Practices
21:42 – The Power of Mattering: Creating Significance
24:27 – Kids These Days: Connection and Empathy
26:55 – Unreasonable Hospitality: Enhancing User Experience
26:58 – Beard’s Book Club Outro