How Many Episodes Do You Need to Record to Get Good?

Dean interviews Tim Cavey, an elementary vice principal at an independent school in Vancouver and host of the Teachers on Fire podcast, discussing how growth mindset helped Tim persist in podcasting and why he committed to publishing at least 100 episodes—now reaching about 325. Tim shares his path into education (25 years), explains how BC independent schools receive about 50% per-student funding, and describes how his master’s program at Vancouver Island University and a thesis on podcasting’s influence on professional practice fueled his work. They explore podcasting as an accessible, underrated form of professional learning, the shift to video on YouTube, guest-driven impacts on Tim’s health and school practices, limited but meaningful listener feedback via metrics and LinkedIn, and a leadership misstep during COVID pushing Seesaw too soon without building trust. Tim offers advice to lead through service before title and start a master’s earlier, recommends The Digital Delusion, mentions Love is Blind, and shares the Lift Bar and Grill as a Vancouver hidden gem.00:00 Growth Mindset to 100 Episodes01:07 Why Podcasting Matters for Teachers03:18 Meet Tim Cavey03:57 Tim’s VP Role and Career04:45 How BC Independent Schools Work07:23 Why Tim Started Teachers on Fire11:37 From Audio to Video Podcasting13:57 Memorable Guests and Personal Impact16:08 Feedback, Metrics, and LinkedIn19:29 Master’s Thesis on Podcasting20:38 Podcasting as Professional Learning25:16 Lessons for School Leadership27:47 Students Discover the Channel28:57 Leadership Misstep During Covid30:10 Trust Before Change32:06 Advice for Aspiring Admins35:38 Growth Mindset Breakthrough38:35 Applying Mindset to AI39:22 Gratitude Shoutout Mentor40:30 Book Pick Digital Delusion43:08 Guilty Pleasure TV Binge44:10 Hidden Gem Coal Harbour45:24 Closing Thanks and Wrap