Unmuted Education Podcast

This episode features a compelling discussion with my co-hosts, Seth and Derek, about our transformative field trip to Meeteetse, focused on the role of leadership in education. We explore insights gained from interviewing 48 superintendents and visiting Shane Ogden's school, where collaboration and community feedback are prioritized. The emphasis on project-based learning and life skills over standardized testing creates a dynamic environment for students to take ownership of their education. We contrast Meeteetse's inclusive approach with the challenges in our own district, highlighting the need for greater transparency and community engagement in education. This conversation advocates for a compassionate and community-driven educational system that values the voices of students, parents, and educators.

Lynn Misch, a family nurse practitioner with nearly 40 years of experience, discusses her health journey and her upcoming wellness summit focused on cultivating inner calm. She shares insights from her cancer diagnosis that led her to explore integrative health practices and the importance of addressing burnout in healthcare. The summit, occurring from December 1 to December 12, will feature experts on mindfulness and stress management. Lynn emphasizes the value of finding the right integrative practitioner and the coexistence of conventional and alternative medicine while promoting a holistic approach to wellness.

In this episode, we analyze a contentious article from the Casper Star Tribune regarding school closures in Natrona County. Joined by Derek and Seth, we reflect on how media language shapes public perception and misrepresents our intentions. We clarify our commitment to meaningful discourse about educational choices rather than sensationalism. Highlighting the community-driven petition, we emphasize our goal of advocating for transparency and collaboration in decision-making processes. We discuss the long-term implications of school closures on community identity and stress the importance of open dialogue among all stakeholders. Our podcast aims to foster constructive conversations and encourage community involvement while navigating the complexities of educational policy changes. We invite listeners to engage with our insights and explore further through our blog and media release.

In this episode, I speak with Ted Hanson, Deputy Executive Director at BOCES 5, about his journey in special education. Ted emphasizes the importance of building relationships with students, especially those from trauma backgrounds, and discusses the unique challenges faced by BOCES 5 in providing comprehensive services. We explore the impacts of trauma on behavior and the necessity of adopting trauma-informed practices, particularly post-COVID-19. Ted challenges conventional views on discipline and advocates for a compassionate, equitable approach to education, making this conversation a crucial reflection on improving our educational systems.

When a school closes, the loss is real for students, families, educators, and the neighborhoods around them. In this conversation, Beth, Abby, Seth, and Kobe talk about what happens inside us after news like this and how to move through it with care and intention.

We name what grief can look like, why uncertainty fuels anxiety, and how timely information helps. We also explore how leaders and receiving schools can welcome displaced staff and students with true attunement, plus practical supports you can use right away.

In this episode:

• Recognizing grief and why it is not a straight line

• Managing anxiety when details are unclear

• Attunement and validation for colleagues and families

• Everyday supports like journaling, movement, connection, and gratitude

• Guidance for educators and parents visiting potential new schools

• A mindset of autonomy and choice in the middle of change

Have a question or a story to share? Send it in and we may include it in a future episode.

In this episode, we explore the unique punctuation mark known as the interrobang, which marries a question mark with an exclamation point. I share my personal journey in educational technology, reflecting on my experiences as a classroom teacher and principal, while my colleague Seth introduces me to the interrobang, prompting an engaging discussion about its history and significance. We delve into its 1960s origins and enjoy a light-hearted conversation on how to integrate this mark into our daily communications. I provide listeners with practical tips for adding the interrobang as a text replacement shortcut on their smartphones, culminating in a fun family text exchange. Our episode emphasizes the joy of language and the importance of keeping communication vibrant and curious.

In this episode, I explore the complexities of discipline in the classroom, drawing from my experiences as a former educator. We question the educator's role in discipline and emphasize the importance of building respectful relationships with students. I share personal anecdotes illustrating the challenges of gaining respect, while co-host Derek offers strategies for fostering rapport.

We discuss the necessity of clear behavioral expectations and the relevance of consequences in promoting accountability. Our conversation also addresses parental involvement and the implications of labeling students. Ultimately, we assert that discipline should be rooted in care and consistency, highlighting the challenges educators face in creating a positive learning environment.

In this episode titled "Failing Up," we address the alarming trend of educational institutions prioritizing promotion over actual learning. Starting with a listener's account of high schools as diploma mills, we discuss the ethics of passing unprepared students and the impact of ineffective leadership in education. We highlight the need for a fundamental shift in educational philosophy, exploring research on delayed formal schooling and its benefits.
We tackle issues of grade inflation and the culture of fear surrounding failure, advocating for the importance of accountability while acknowledging the necessity of failure for growth. This episode calls for meaningful change in the educational landscape, aiming to better prepare students for real-world challenges.

In this episode, we delve into the recent transformations taking place not just in our podcast space but also in our broader approach to content creation. The discussion kicks off with an entertaining dialogue about the mall's revitalization, providing a light-hearted backdrop that mirrors our own changes. As we explore the influx of new stores and shifting ownership dynamics, it serves as a metaphor for how we’re also evolving to better meet the needs of our audience.

We’re also excited to announce the upcoming launch of a new podcast segment titled “Unmuted Brains,” intended to explore deeper discussions around mental health and educational topics alongside our friends Abby and Beth. This new venture will allow us to broaden our dialogue and engage different perspectives, creating a richer tapestry of conversation that complements our mission. Alongside addressing listener inquiries, our goal is to foster an environment of growth—one where questions are welcomed and knowledge is shared.

In this episode, J.D. Williams, a key player in Wyoming politics and a seasoned rancher, discusses his upbringing in a conservative ranching family and the values of hard work and self-reliance that shaped him. He reflects on his transition from cowboying to community service, emphasizing that true leadership is about serving others.
J.D. addresses challenges facing Wyoming, including the influences that threaten local governance, and advocates for decisions that prioritize long-term community needs. He also highlights the disconnect between education legislation and real-world impacts, calling for critical thinking and responsible fiscal policies to ensure future stability. The episode concludes with J.D.’s insights on the importance of civic engagement and countering misinformation.