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PODCAST

The CharacterStrong Podcast

CharacterStrong

The CharacterStrong Podcast: Weekly conversations for anyone in education. CharacterStrong provides an evidence-based, multi-tiered solution to support whole child success. Curricula and trainings that improve behavior, increase safety, and support mental health. For more information visit our website: characterstrong.com

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All Episodes

14:42

2025 Tier 2 Summit: Problem-Solving Common Barriers...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/08/08

Today we talk with Dr. Clay Cook, the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. He shares the biggest reasons Tier 2 systems stall—and what to do about it. Dr. Cook unpacks common barriers like unclear roles, limited capacity, and lack of team clarity, offering practical, hopeful solutions every school can apply. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong

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17:40

What Happens When Kids Know You Believe In Them - Dr....

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/08/01

Today our guest is Dr. Andre Stout, principal at Gray Middle School, in Tacoma, WA. We talk to Dr. Stout about how intentional systems—not just goals—drive lasting change. From daily character lessons and biweekly Fireside Chats to celebrating growth and reclaiming the hallways, he breaks down the simple, strategic systems that helped shift school culture. Dr. Stout also shares why capacity-building—not just buy-in—is key to sustainability, and how being present as a leader creates the credibility

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12:14

Every Student, Every Need: Rethinking School Support ...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/07/25

Today our guest is Jeff Cohen, CEO of FullBloom. We talk to Jeff about what it really means to support students. He challenges us to rethink the one-size-fits-all models and instead embrace a personalized approach, one where schools are equipped to meet every student where they are. From personalizing learning experiences to strengthening the adult systems that guide them, Jeff lays out a compelling vision for the future of education, and how CharacterStrong and FullBloom are helping to make it

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16:01

Tools, Trust, and Teaching What Matters - Kelli Brabson

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/07/18

Today our guest is Kelli Brabson the MTSS Coordinator at Mossville Grade School. We talk to Kelli about what it means to invest in students intentionally, proactively, and with heart. Drawing from over two decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and now MTSS leader, Kelli shares practical strategies for building community, fostering accountability, and equipping students with the skills they need to thrive. From postcard welcomes to classroom compacts, picture books to I-statements, Kelli

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19:08

Carrying Less, Caring More: The Power of Emptying the...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/07/11

Today our guest is Author and Keynote Speaker Sam Demma. We talk to Sam about the powerful concept of “Emptying Your Backpack,” which began during a series of live Instagram chats with students. Sam shares why it’s essential to help young people release the negative thoughts, emotions, and labels they carry, and how doing so can create space for growth and connection. He also emphasizes the importance of empathy, reminding us that “students aren’t giving you a tough time, they’re having a tough

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16:24

2025 School Safety Summit - Prevention in Action: The...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/07/04

On this episode we are sharing a conversation from the 2025 School Safety Summit. Dr. Dewey Cornell, a leading national expert in school safety, shares the science and practical strategies behind effective threat assessment. He explains why prevention must go beyond zero tolerance policies and how schools can use structured, research-backed approaches like CSTAG to keep students safe, supported, and thriving. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote

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19:56

From Listening to Launch: Collaborative Curriculum...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/06/27

Today our guest is Joanna Frankel the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate at Portland Public Schools. We talk to Joanna about how her team led a deeply collaborative curriculum selection process—gathering input from over 300 staff members, conducting a community listening tour with families, and piloting options with 37 educators. She reflects on the power of stakeholder voice, and how this inclusive approach not only informed their final decision but also built trust and ownership across the

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15:57

2025 School Safety Summit - Beyond Response: Building...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/06/20

On this episode we are sharing a conversation from the 2025 School Safety Summit. Frank DeAngelis, former longtime principal of Columbine High School, shares powerful lessons on prevention, resilience, and leadership. He highlights why real school safety is about relationships, readiness, and collective action—and reminds us why we must continue working together to protect and support every student. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn

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20:21

A Purposeful Approach to Student Support - Sam Dusek...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/06/13

Today our guests are Sam Dusek & Jordan Seifert, School Counselors at Meyer Middle School and part of the team that was awarded the 2025 Wisconsin School Counseling Team of the Year. We talk to Sam & Jordan about how their school counseling program is leading the way in proactive, purpose-driven student support. They share how a clear mission focused on academic growth, character development, and student well-being—has helped them build a program where character education is intentionally taught and

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19:01

Holistic Student Support In Action - Cory McCarthy

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/06/06

Today our guest is Cory McCarthy, the Chief of Student Support for Boston Public Schools. We talk with Cory about what it means to take a truly holistic approach to student support. He explains the critical difference between technicaland adaptive progress monitoring—and why getting to the “third why” in conversations with students and staff is a game-changer. Cory also shares how Boston Public Schools opens its doors seven days a week to meet student needs and why relational work is at the heart of

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21:01

Celebrate the Small Stuff: The Power of Positive...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/05/30

Today our guest is Dr. Vince Breunig, District Administrator at the School District of Lodi. We talk to Dr. Breunig about the power of consistently sharing the good happening in our schools. He shares practical strategies for celebrating small but meaningful moments, filling the community with positivity, and making space for authentic engagement—especially through social media. Dr. Breunig also highlights how involving students in storytelling and using creative, intentional branding can strengthen

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15:24

Sustainability: A Key to Lasting Impact in Education...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/05/23

Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk to Clay about one the most important parts of implementation: sustainability. From onboarding and monitoring fidelity to embedding new practices into the fabric of school culture, Clay shares the essential systems that help schools avoid implementation drift. He also highlights how CharacterStrong supports schools through a unique consultative approach focused on sustainable implementation. Learn More About

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20:21

Tackling Tech & Teen Anxiety: A Community on a...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/05/16

Today our guest is John Hellwich, the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning at the Peninsula School District in WA. We talk to John about the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula community campaign inspired by the book The Anxious Generation. With anxiety rising and screen time out of control, this grassroots movement is bringing together schools, faith leaders, doctors, and local organizations to reimagine what healthy tech habits look like for students. From phone-free weekends and social media detoxes

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19:15

Showing Up Matters: The Power of Daily Connection -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/05/09

Today our guest is Alex Kajitani the 2009 California Teacher of the Year and also The Rappin' Mathematician. We talk to Alex about the foundational role that relationships play in education. He unpacks the three essential components every relationship must have and highlights the different types of relationships students navigate daily—with themselves, their peers, the adults on campus, and the content they’re learning. Alex challenges the common belief that confidence leads to competence, offering

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15:56

Start Small, Lead Big: Building Culture with Student...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/05/02

Today our guest is Julia Kennedy the SEL Coach at Meduxnekeag Consolidated School in Woodstock, NB. We talk with Julia about her school’s CharacterStrong journey and the intentional steps they’ve taken to build a stronger culture. She shares how they’ve created meaningful opportunities for student engagement—like having 200 students sign up to greet their peers at school entrances—and how older students are taking on leadership roles to support younger ones. Julia highlights the power of starting

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14:17

Character Traits That Connect: A K–12 Approach - Dr....

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/04/25

Today our guest is Dr. Mark Chapin, Principal at Meyer Middle School. We talk to Dr. Chapin about how his district takes a purposeful approach to character development—from monthly character kickoff presentations to unifying yearly themes. He explains how each trait is clearly defined and modeled across all grade levels, K–12, and how community input plays a key role in shaping the work. Hear how this district-wide effort brings consistency, clarity, and connection to their character education

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19:41

From Curriculum to Connection: Building Belonging...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/04/18

Today our guest is Mariah Reed-Brown, School Counselor at Paradise Valley High School. We talk to Mariah about how she’s customized the CharacterStrong curriculum to strengthen her school’s PBIS framework. She shares how getting into classrooms and intentionally connecting Tier 1 practices to PBIS has helped foster a stronger sense of belonging for all students. Mariah offers practical examples, including how co-creating community agreements with students has shaped the culture on campus. She also

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17:02

Equipping Students To Navigate Conflict With...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/04/11

Today our guest is Jocelyn Pajimula the Social and Emotional Learning Coordinator & Restorative Practices Coach at Ewa Makai Middle School. We talk to Jocelyn about how her school have created a system to give students tools to repair and prevent broken broken relationships. She breaks down their two key strategies when conflict arises and introduces the PEACE strategy—a proactive tool that helps students navigate conflict before it escalates. Jocelyn also offers a powerful example of how they

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18:39

Living Out Your Purpose - Taryne Dismuke

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/04/04

Today our guest is Taryne Dismuke, Culture Catalyst at DO EWE Coaching & Consulting. We talk to Taryne about the concept of living out your pillars of purpose. She unpacks how easy it is to get pulled away from our core purpose in education—and how that drift can lead to burnout. Taryne offers practical insights on staying grounded in our “why,” and how doing so not only sustains us but also creates a ripple effect that benefits students, families, and entire communities. This conversation is a

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15:49

Helping Students Stay Present And Focused - Cara Newman

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/03/28

Today our guest is Cara Newman a 4th grade educator in the Plainedge School District. We talk to Cara about how a simple yet powerful practice—having students set intentions throughout the day—can increase focus, presence, and ownership in the classroom. She explains how this strategy fosters student buy-in, supports self-regulation, and ultimately leads to meaningful returns in both behavior and learning. Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE Tier 2 Curriculum Samples Request a Quote

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