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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

education courses

All Episodes

19:26

From Healthcare to Hallways: Rethinking Mental Health...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/10/17

Today our guest is Dr. Ryan Sherman, Director of Wellness at Medway Public Schools in Medway, Massachusetts. We talk to Dr. Sherman about how his healthcare background is helping schools rethink what student wellness means, and how he is helping to modernize MTSS. He shares how Medway added a fourth tier of support that brings mental health care directly into schools through care coordination, in-school outpatient services, and telehealth partnerships. Dr. Sherman also unpacks the mindset shift from

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26:14

The Power of a Fist Bump: Creating a Place Where...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/10/10

Today our guest is Zac Bauermaster the Principal at Providence Elementary School in New Providence, PA. Zac went viral after a hallway video of his daily high fives and fist bumps reached millions, but what’s even more powerful is the culture behind it. We talk to Zac about how he’s creating a school where students and staff want to be, not have to be. He shares how simple daily rituals like “Fist Bump Fridays” (every day), greeting at arrival and dismissal, quick classroom hellos, hallway presence,

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22:03

Don’t Forget These Learners: Practical Adaptations...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/10/03

Today our guest is Sara Nussman a School Counselor at Stoner-Thomas School. We talk to Sarah about how she adapts CharacterStrong lessons for students with cognitive and communicative deficits. She shares how nonverbal strategies like body language build relationships, and how visual trait boards, consistent routines, and monthly social narratives make abstract concepts like respect concrete and accessible. Sarah also highlights the impact on student independence and confidence, and reminds us not

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25:47

Systems, Not Slogans: Building a Culture of Care &...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/09/26

Today our guest is Erica Fener-Sitkoff the Chief Clinical Officer at FullBloom. We talk to Erica talk about why student mental health belongs at the center of school success. She shares a practical frame for Tier 1–Tier 3 supports, why universal wellbeing skills (like gratitude, check-ins, and regulation) make Tier 2 and Tier 3 more effective, and how helping teachers, counselors, and staff, protects everyone’s capacity. Erica also highlights how Georgia is investing in school safety and mental

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24:11

From Data to Care: Coaching That Strengthens...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/09/19

Today our guests are Abby Master, Co-Founder of EmpowerU & Tiffany Brown a Licensed School Counselor and Lead Coach with EmpowerU. We talk to Abby & Tiffany about The Power of 1:1 Coaching to Transform Student Mental Health. They share how one-to-one, asynchronous coaching expands Tier 2 capacity, strengthens counselor-student relationships, and helps subclinical students build real resilience. Abby & Tiffany explain how students take quick lessons, get personalized coach feedback, and set their own

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22:48

Simple Systems, Lasting Impact: Character Through...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/09/12

Today our guest is Meg Boyd the Principal at Edgewood Elementary. Meg shares how her school uses morning announcements to keep a daily focus on character in every classroom. From “Motivation Monday” to “Fun with Words Friday,” each day carries a theme that unites students and staff while strengthening school culture. What began during COVID as simple voice-over slides has grown into a consistent, schoolwide practice that proves connection doesn’t have to be polished to be powerful. With student

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30:44

Season 8 Kickoff: Three Challenges in Education -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/09/05

Season 8 kicks off with CharacterStrong co-founders John Norlin and Houston Kraft unpacking three challenges schools face: student mental health, rising behavior, and educator burnout. They explain why culture is “the plate,” not another thing on it, and how adult behavior change drives schoolwide improvement. John and Houston also show how a cohesive MTSS ecosystem (Tier 1–3), paired with policy-aligned campaigns, attendance tools, and Future Ready content, reduces fragmentation. Finally, they

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17:42

Relational Strategies That Strengthen Academics - Dr....

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/08/29

Today our guest is Dr. Lori Lynass, Sr. Director of MTSS at CharacterStrong. We talk to Lori about how connection isn’t “extra” or “soft”—it’s a strategic, academic practice at the heart of effective Tier 1 work. She shares how simple strategies, like quick community-building circles, can be woven into the school day in just a few minutes and still have a lasting impact on belonging and engagement. She also emphasizes that adults need connection, too, and that when schools prioritize role-modeling

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16:40

Systems Over Goals: Building Belonging in Schools -...

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/08/22

Today our guest is Dr. Darian Jones, Program Implementation Specialist at CharacterStrong. We talk to Dr. Jones on why belonging must be built into the systems of a school, not left to chance. He highlights how proactive and responsive practices, like structured greetings, advisory systems, and intentional transitions can help both students and adults reset, connect, and thrive. Through powerful stories, including a pivotal moment where uncovering the root cause of a student’s behavior transformed

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05:58

The Power of Presence in a Rushed World - John Norlin

The CharacterStrong Podcast ·

2025/08/15

On today's episode CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin explores a simple idea with big impact: the pace of our day influences the way we show up for others. When we’re constantly rushing, even our best intentions, like showing kindness or practicing empathy, can get lost in the shuffle. John invites educators and leaders to reflect on how we prioritize connection in our daily routines. Sometimes, the most powerful shift we can make is slowing down just enough to see the people right in front of

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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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92 results

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