That Yearbook Podcast

What makes a strong yearbook theme for 2027? In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, Sabrina Cady, CJE, and Jim Jordan break down the theme must-haves every yearbook staff should consider before locking in a theme.From depth and flexibility to storytelling and coverage, this conversation helps advisers and editors evaluate whether a theme can carry through the entire book,  not just the cover.If your staff is starting the theme conversation or refining ideas for the 2027 yearbook, this episode offers practical guidance you can use right away.

Trends can inspire great yearbook design, but only when they’re used with intention. In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, Sabrina Cady, CJE, and Jim Jordan discuss why trends are hard to talk about and how copying them without a clear story can create problems. The conversation focuses on choosing trends thoughtfully and applying them in ways that support real yearbook storytelling.

Selling yearbooks isn’t just about having a great book. It’s about making sure people actually see it, want it and buy it.In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, Sabrina Cady, CJE, and Jim Jordan break down what it really takes to build demand for your yearbook and create momentum across your campus. Instead of focusing on one-off tactics, they take a step back and talk through the strategy behind successful yearbook marketing.You’ll learn:Why most yearbook sales efforts fall flat, and how to fix itHow to shift from reactive selling to a yearlong marketing mindsetThe key audiences you need to reach, and what motivates each oneHow to create visibility and buzz that actually drives purchasesWhy face-to-face marketing still matters, even in a digital worldCommon mistakes that hold staffs back from hitting their sales goalsIf your goal is to get more books in students’ hands, this conversation will help you think differently about how you promote, position and sell your yearbook.

What can award-winning yearbooks teach you right now, in the middle of deadline season?In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, we break down five key lessons learned from analyzing the 2025 President’s Collection award-winning books. After reviewing all 30 national award winners page by page, we share the biggest takeaways that separate strong books from exceptional ones.In this episode, you’ll hear about:There is no single formula for greatness, but there must be purpose and consistencyAttention to detail is what elevates good books to award-winning levelCoverage must be deep, varied and representative of your school communityStrong writing still matters and engaging storytelling drives readershipTheme-rich books carry their concept visually and verbally from cover to closingWe also talk about how the 2025 President’s Collection video series breaks these concepts down into six focused areas: theme, design, coverage, writing, photography and reference.This episode is designed to help staffs:Stay motivated during deadline seasonUnderstand what judges look for in award-winning booksIdentify areas for growth in their current production cycleStart planning stronger systems for next year

Photography is more than getting a great shot. It’s about telling a complete story.In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, Sabrina Cady, CJE, and Jim Jordan break down how photo storytelling helps yearbook staffs move beyond isolated images and create coverage that works together on the spread. They share practical ways to plan photos with purpose, improve collaboration between photographers, writers and editors, and avoid common habits that weaken visual storytelling.

Season 3, Episode 5 of That Yearbook Podcast digs into one of the most overlooked parts of yearbook production: club coverage. Sabrina Cady, CJE and Jim Jordan break down how to find real stories, prioritize people over events, plan smarter, improve club picture day and rethink how clubs fit into your overall coverage strategy. If your staff struggles to move beyond basic group photos, this episode will give you the direction you need. 

Season 3, Episode 4 of That Yearbook Podcast dives into why judging and critiques matter for every yearbook staff. Hosts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, and Jim Jordan explain how feedback fuels growth, what judges really look for and how advisers can help their teams reach award-winning levels. 

In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, hosts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, and Jim Jordan break down why every yearbook staff should have a clear, well-structured staff manual. Learn how it helps set expectations, build accountability, protect advisers and keep your team running smoothly all year.🔗 Learn more at walsworthyearbooks.com

Your yearbook ladder is more than just a list of pages. Podcast hosts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE and Jim Jordan break down how to generate story ideas, involve your staff, leave space for the unexpected and keep coverage balanced so your ladder works all year.

 In this episode, Sabrina and Jim dive into yearbook must-dos and design debates inspired by reviewing 2025 books. They share their “please do” list and hot takes. Classroom resource: https://link.walsworthyearbooks.com/considerthesestrategies

In the season finale, Sabrina and Jim discuss end-of-year yearbook strategies, celebrating staff achievements, organizing files, planning summer coverage and preparing for the next academic year. They offer practical advice for yearbook teams, emphasizing celebration, skill development and maintaining momentum between school years.

This episode of That Yearbook Podcast focuses on yearbook theme development for 2026, featuring expert advice from Jim and Sabrina. They discuss the importance of starting theme conversations early, emphasizing creativity, relevance and storytelling. The discussion provides guidance for yearbook staff on selecting a meaningful theme that captures the unique character of their school year.

In this episode of That Yearbook Podcast, podcasts hosts Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE meet up with Walsworth graphic designer, Stephanie Streicher to talk about trends for 2026 and best practices for implementing them in your yearbook. 

Jim and Sabrina honor Mike Taylor, a beloved yearbook industry leader who passed away from brain cancer. They celebrate his unique ability to connect with people, his passion for yearbook education and the spirit of fun he brought to every person he engaged with. 

This episode of That Yearbook Podcast dives deep into the complex issue of copyright concerns for yearbook themes, designs, and content. The hosts guide balancing inspiration and originality, using copyrighted material like song lyrics and images, and finding legal sources for visuals to avoid infringement. Access the classroom assessment that pairs with this podcast here: That Yearbook Podcast: Season 2 - Episode 5

This is episode 4 of Season 2 of That Yearbook Podcast, featuring yearbook experts Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, Mike Taylor, CJE and Jim Jordan. They discuss the importance of thorough editing and proofing for yearbook content, including establishing a consistent process, building staff morale and leveraging technology. Check the links below for the training video and additional resources.Adviser Resources: https://www.walsworthyearbooks.com/adviser-resources/Editing and Proofing Training Video: 

This episode explores the essential elements of crafting compelling journalistic stories for the yearbook. From conducting effective interviews to writing captivating leads and maintaining journalistic integrity, this episode equips student journalists with the skills to create yearbooks that truly capture the human experiences that define the school year.

This episode of That Yearbook Podcast tackles the crucial, yet often overlooked, topic of yearbook captions. Hosts Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE emphasize the importance of captions in providing historical context, engaging readers, and elevating a yearbook to award-winning status. Be sure to check out the training video that pairs with this podcast here: https://link.walsworthyearbooks.com/CaptionTV

We are back with the latest season of That Yearbook Podcast ! Walsworth Yearbook experts Jim Jordan, Sabrina Schmitz, CJE and Mike Taylor, CJE share their top tips for setting yearbook staffs up for success in the new school year. The key? Focus on team building and establishing trust, communication and collaboration before diving into production tasks. Learn fun activities and strategies to maintain a positive team culture all year.If you want access to the companion training video, click here. 

The season finale from That Yearbook Podcast focuses specifically on the printing process and why Walsworth is the most trusted name in yearbooks. Industry veterans Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, reminisce on Walsworth's humble beginnings over 85 years ago and how their commitment to family and unparalleled customer service has sustained their role as the most trusted name in scholastic publishing.

Prepare for the upcoming school year by considering spring and summer workshops for your yearbook staff. In the latest episode of That Yearbook Podcast, hosts Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan, and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, discuss the value of workshops, covering types, skills learned and benefits for students and staff. Listen for insights on how workshops can enhance your yearbook process.

Those Yearbook People,  Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, share convention stories and tips for yearbook programs. They discuss the value of state and national conventions, planning educational sessions for students, gaining administrator support and creative fundraising ideas to offset travel costs. This is essential listening for any adviser considering attending a journalism convention. 

Tune in to this episode of  "That Yearbook Podcast" as Mike, Jim and Sabrina discuss the significance of yearbook critiques. Experienced advisers and journalists offer objective feedback to identify strengths and weaknesses, aiding in continual improvement. Discover how critiques motivate staff and elevate yearbook quality. Listen now for valuable insights.

Welcome to That Yearbook Podcast, the series where yearbook experts Mike Taylor, CJE, Jim Jordan and Sabrina Schmitz, CJE, take us on a delightful journey through their connections to yearbooks and the fascinating world of student journalism. The trio shares their unique stories and experiences that have shaped their perspectives on creating amazing yearbooks. To watch this podcast, visit our YouTube link! 

In this episode, hosts Mike Taylor, Jim Jordan, and Sabrina Schmitz emphasize cultivating strong relationships among yearbook staff, administration, parents and the community. They share insights on team-building, communication with administrators, engaging parents and seeking mentorship from industry experts for journalistic excellence. Available on YouTube and podcast platforms.