PODCAST · education
The CharacterStrong Podcast
by 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
Episodes
-
How One Principal Built a System for Gathering Student Voice That Actually Changes Things - Sonia Ruiz
Today our guest is Sonia Ruiz, Principal at Jane Addams Middle School in Bolingbrook, Illinois and 2026 National Middle Level Principal of the Year. Sonia shares how her school built a system for gathering student voice that goes beyond surveys, turning what students share into concrete action,...
-
Season 9 Kickoff: Cultivating the Soil Where Students and Adults Thrive
Today, John Norlin and Houston Kraft mark the launch of Season 9 of the CharacterStrong Podcast by digging into a framework that was unpacked this summer around what it actually takes to cultivate the conditions where students and adults can thrive. They also reflect on what nine seasons of...
-
How One District Got Their Suspension Rate Below 1% with Tier 2 Supports - Torrin Johnson
Today our guest is Torrin Johnson, Executive Director of MTSS at Merced Union High School District in California. Torrin shares how his district built a Tier 2 support system from the ground up, what they got wrong at first, and how pairing trained intervention coordinators with explicit...
-
How Teaching Character Traits Gave One Teacher More Time, Not Less - Angela Walle
Today our guest is Angela Walle, a teacher at Geiger Montessori in Tacoma Public Schools and recipient of the Tacoma Public Schools Whole Child Champion Award. Angela shares how replacing classroom rules with explicitly taught character traits transformed her classroom from one of the most...
-
Staff Chips: A Simple System for More Intentional Connections - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called Staff Chips, a simple physical system that helps building administrators be more intentional about connecting with every member of their staff, not just the ones they naturally gravitate toward. He also explains why systems matter more than goals...
-
Deck of Destiny: A Two-Minute Strategy for Building Classroom Connection - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called Deck of Destiny, a simple way to weave relationship-building into the daily fabric of the classroom without adding time to an already full schedule. Using a deck of cards connected to get-to-know questions, educators can create two-minute…
more -
How One Phone Call Home Can Change a Family's Experience of School - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called the Kid in the Middle, a simple, low-burden approach to recognizing the students who rarely get attention in either direction. By calling home to compliment a family member on a positive trait their child brings to the classroom, educators can make...
-
EMR: A Simple Reflection Strategy for More Intentional Relationships - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares an evidence-based reflection strategy called EMR, developed by Dr. Clayton Cook. Using a simple roster exercise, educators categorize each student or staff member into one of three relationship phases: Establish, Maintain, or Restore, and then focus their energy…
more -
The Temperature Check: Three Questions That Help You Know How Students Are Really Doing - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a practical classroom check-in strategy called the Temperature Check. Using three simple questions at the start of class, educators can get a quick read on how students are actually doing before instruction begins, and act on what they learn. He also explains why…
more -
True Story Friday: A Low-Burden Strategy for Building Classroom Connection - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a simple weekly strategy for helping students get to know the adults in their school: True Story Friday. By taking two to five minutes at the end of Friday to share a personal story, educators give students something they often want but rarely get, a real look at…
more -
The Law of the Lid: Why the Energy in Your Room Starts with You - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a leadership concept called The Law of the Lid, drawn from Dr. John Maxwell's work. The core idea is straightforward: as a leader, you cannot expect the people around you to bring more energy, effort, or authenticity to the room than you are willing to bring…
more -
The Student Becomes the Teacher: A Simple Strategy for Student Connection - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a simple strategy for connecting with students, even thought who may have been hard to reach: The Student Becomes the Teacher. By asking students what they could teach you, educators can gain personal insight that opens the door to genuine connection, often in less...
-
Lessons from the Bench: What Leaders Can Learn from Role Players - Brandon Bakke
Today our guest is Brandon Bakke, assistant principal at Gig Harbor High School and author of Lessons from the Bench. Brandon shares the core ideas behind his new book, a nine-lesson framework for bench players and role players in any organization who want to understand how to contribute...
-
How to Build Relational Capacity with Staff and Students from Day One - Derrick Lawson
Today our guest is Derrick Lawson, co-executive director of CATLL and CASCD and a former principal at all three school levels. Derrick shares practical strategies for building relational capacity with staff and students at the start of the school year, and why the first days of school should be...
-
Episode 500 - Where Have We Been, Where Are We Now, Where Are We Going - John Norlin, Houston Kraft, & Lindsay Norlin
Today, John Norlin, Houston Kraft, and Lindsay Norlin mark a milestone: the 500th episode of the CharacterStrong Podcast. More than a celebration of numbers, this episode is a reflection on what 500 voices from educators across the country have taught the CharacterStrong team. and where the work…
more -
How Sharing Student Information Across Staff Improves School Outcomes - Steve Smith
Today our guest is Steve Smith, CEO and co-founder of IntelliSpark. Steve shares how IntelliSpark helps educators get to know students as people — not just learners — by making it easier to capture, share, and act on student information across an entire school team in real time. He also explains...
-
The Secondhand Compliment: How Indirect Recognition Builds Stronger Connections - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a practical relationship-building strategy called the secondhand compliment — an intentional approach to recognizing students through another trusted adult, especially before a strong connection has been established. He also explains why indirect recognition can…
more -
Five Strategies to Strengthen Tiered Support Across Your District - Dr. Susanne Thompson
Today our guest is Dr. Susanne Thompson, Vice President of Business Development at SESI (Specialized Education Services, Inc.). Dr. Thompson shares five practical strategies for superintendents and building leaders who want to build stronger, more responsive tiered support systems, with a focus…
more -
How High-Impact Tutoring Reaches the Students Schools Can Miss - Devon Wible
Today our guest is Devon Wible, Vice President of Teaching and Learning at Catapult Learning. Devon works directly with schools and districts to design high-impact tutoring programs that fit inside existing MTSS systems — helping the students most likely to fall through the cracks actually get…
more -
How Pre-Correction Reduces Behavior Problems Before They Start - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a practical classroom strategy called pre-correction a proactive approach to reducing behavior correction before it's needed. This episode helps educators understand why constant correction increases conflict and disengagement, and what they can do instead to get...
-
Why Predictability Is One of the Most Powerful Tools in the Classroom - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called Grandma's Rule, a practical, research-backed approach to building predictability into the classroom through first-then scheduling and visual routines. John walks through why predictable environments lead to regulation, engagement, and ultimately...
-
How to Train Yourself to Pause Before You React - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a strategy called the Tactical Pause, a simple, trainable habit of pausing before responding in high-emotion situations so that reactions come from intention rather than regret. John walks through what it looks like in practice and why building this habit in...
-
A Simple Strategy for Becoming a Better Listener - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a simple approach to staying focused in conversations when the noise of the day makes it hard to truly hear what someone is saying. He walks through exactly how to use it, step by step, in a way that makes the other person feel genuinely seen and heard. In this...
-
How Schools Can Build Systems That Address the Root Causes of Behavior - Rebekah de Peo-Christner & Amy Lawrence
Today our guests are Rebekah de Peo-Christner, Assistant Director of Counseling, and Amy Lawrence, Director of Counseling and Social Work, both at Denton ISD in Texas. We discuss how their district created WRAP — the Wilson Restorative Action Plan — a family-centered alternative to exclusionary...
-
What You Do Matters Every Day - John Norlin
Today, host John Norlin shares a powerful reminder about the reach of educator influence, sparked by an unexpected email from a former exchange student, now living in Slovakia. What follows is a reflection on why the work educators do matters far beyond what they can see or measure. Drawing on…
more -
Why Every Student Needs at Least One Caring Adult - Michelle Marcellin, Nancy Buyle, Sara Orris
Today our guests are Michelle Marcellin, Staff and Student Support Consultant, Nancy Buyle, School Safety and Student Assistance Consultant, and Sara Orris, School Health and Homeless Education Consultant — all at Macomb Intermediate School District. We discuss how schools can ensure every…
more -
Building School Systems That Strengthen Connection, Culture, and Student Success - Brenda Ortiz McGrath
Today our guest is Brenda Ortiz McGrath, district administrator, school committee member, author, and founder of the family engagement platform CoreKind360. We discuss why student support and character development must move from being an occasional initiative to becoming part of a school's...
-
Why Career and Technical Education Matters for Today's Students - Brooke Martin
Topic: Career and Technical Education • Career Pathways • Workforce Readiness Today our guest is Brooke Martin, Executive Director of Career and Technical Education at Aldine ISD in Texas. We talk about why career and technical education (CTE) is becoming essential for helping students explore...
-
Repurposing Time: A Practical AI Strategy for Educators - Sean Beaverson
Today our guest is Sean Beaverson, Director of Technology at Orono Public Schools. We talk about how schools can use AI in education to reduce teacher workload and reclaim instructional time. Sean shares a practical approach to lowering cognitive load by offloading administrative tasks to AI,...
-
From Intention to Impact: The Science of Implementation
Today our guest is Jenice Pizzuto, Implementation Training Specialist at CharacterStrong. We dive into why change is both personal and emotional, and how implementation science gives leaders a roadmap for turning intention into lasting impact. If you've ever adopted a new initiative only to watch...
-
The 30-Second Feedback Strategy That Strengthens School Culture - Meghan Lawson
Today our guest is Meghan Lawson, Assistant Superintendent at Sycamore Community Schools in Cincinnati, Ohio. We talk about how small, consistent moves can grow collective potential across a school system. Meghan shares the 30-Second Feedback Protocol, a simple strength-based strategy that builds...
-
Creating Belonging Through Systems That Work - Kendrick Claxton
Today our guest is Kendrick Claxton, Vice Principal at Central Middle School in Kansas City Public Schools. We talk about how positive school culture is built through systems that create belonging, safety, and consistent adult support. Kendrick shares how mentorship, trusted adults, and simple...
-
A Principal's Approach to Making Middle School Lessons Stick Schoolwide - Dr. Joe Sweeney
Today our guest is Dr. Joe Sweeney, principal at Old Quarry Middle School and the 2025 Illinois Principals Association South Cook Region Middle School Principal of the Year. We talk about how Joe uses a schoolwide podcast to bring consistent lessons to life and elevate student voice. He shares…
more -
How Student Voice and Developmental Assets Drive Schoolwide Growth - Pierre Orbe
Today our guest is Pierre Orbee, Principal at DeWitt Clinton High School in New York. Pierre was named the School Administrators Association of New York State's 2025 New York State Principal of the Year, the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents' 2025 National Principal of the...
-
Why Names, Presence, and Energy Matter in Leadership - Andrew Marotta
Today our guest is Andrew Marotta is an author and presenter, and is the Director of Communications & Academic Services at Port Jervis Schools, NY. We talk with Andrew about the power of positive energy and how small, intentional actions shape how people feel in schools. He shares practical...
-
Creating Calmer Classrooms by Supporting Educators - Kait Ahlbrandt
Today our guest is Kait Ahlbrandt, school psychologist and Director of Customer Success at EmpowerU. We talk about why educator wellbeing is essential to student success and how adult regulation shapes classroom climate. Kate shares why intentional listening and making space for connection…
more -
Top 6 of 2025: Simple Systems, Lasting Impact: Character Through Daily Announcements - Meg Boyd
Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website
-
Top 6 of 2025: Systems Over Goals: Building Belonging in Schools - Dr. Darian Jones
Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website
-
Top 6 of 2025: Doubling Tier 1 Usage: Building Stronger Classrooms Through Character, Connection, and Data - Amy Fairchild & Crystal Hooper
Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website
-
Top 6 of 2025: Relational Strategies That Strengthen Academics - Dr. Lori Lynass
Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website
-
Top 6 of 2025: The Power of Presence in a Rushed World - John Norlin
Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website
-
Top 6 of 2025: Don't Forget These Learners: Practical Adaptations That Work - Sara Nussman
Learn More About CharacterStrong: Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website
-
Balancing High Accountability with High Support for Tier 2 & 3 Interventions - Chris Fore
Today our guest is Chris Fore, Principal at Mojave High School, in Hesperia, CA. We talk with Chris about why it is important and how it is guiding his work everyday. He shares how creating high-accountability meetings with parents and teachers led to a nearly 60% reduction in failure rates.…
more -
Practical Strategies for Building Teacher Buy-In at the Secondary Level - Crystal Keck & Wendy Uzzle
Today our guests are Assistant Principal Crystal Keck & Humanities Instructional Coach Wendy Uzzle from Bowie High School in Austin, TX. We talk about the unique challenges and solutions for implementing CharacterStrong at the high school level. Crystal & Wendy share how they utilized a "soft...
-
Increasing Attendance and Belonging by Flipping the Script on Student Support - Leandra Torra
Today our guest is Leandra Torra, Social Emotional Learning and Trauma Informed Care Manager at Jefferson County Public Schools. We talk with Leandra about an innovative approach to Tier 2 support that solves capacity issues by partnering elementary schools with neighboring high school student...
-
The Power of the Post-It Note: A Simple Connection Strategy - John Norlin
On today's episode CharacterStrong Co-Founder John Norlin talks about the "Power of the Post-It Note," a simple strategy to build connection with students. He shares practical ways to use written notes for compliments, questions, or behavioral pre-corrections during class. He highlights how…
more -
Creating a District Timeline That Aligns Character with Academic Content - Yvonne Culver & Stephanie Hammond
Today our guests are Yvonne Culver, Director of School Counseling and Student Wellness, and Stephanie Hammond, Coordinator for School Counselors at Akron Public Schools. We talk about how they moved beyond "posters on the wall" by creating a district timeline that aligns life skills with academic...
-
Implementation That Sticks: Coaching, Champions, and Campus Voice - Krystal Colhoff
Today our guest is Krystal Colhoff - Director of MTSS at Austin ISD. Krystal shares how a large, urban district strengthened implementation not through top-down directives, but by elevating campus leaders and letting momentum build from the ground up. She explains how a "soft launch" created…
more -
Tier 2 in Action: Helping Counselors Build Skills, Systems, and Sustainable Support - Michelle DePuy
Today our guest is Michelle DePuy, Secondary Ed. Program Specialist at Redlands Unified School District. We talk to Michelle about how her district is strengthening Tier 2 systems by focusing on both mindset and skill-building with secondary counselors. She shares how creating small-group...
-
Doubling Tier 1 Usage: Building Stronger Classrooms Through Character, Connection, and Data - Amy Fairchild & Crystal Hooper
Today our guests are Amy Fairchild & Crystal Hooper, District SEL Coaches in Tangipahoa Parish, LA. We talk to Amy and Crystal about how their district doubled Tier 1 usage in one year and what that growth has meant for students and staff. Amy and Crystal share practical ways they've woven daily...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
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
HOSTED BY
CharacterStrong
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The CharacterStrong Podcast have?
The CharacterStrong Podcast currently has 519 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The CharacterStrong Podcast about?
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...
How often does The CharacterStrong Podcast release new episodes?
The CharacterStrong Podcast releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 519 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to The CharacterStrong Podcast?
You can listen to The CharacterStrong Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The CharacterStrong Podcast?
The CharacterStrong Podcast is created and hosted by CharacterStrong.
URL copied to clipboard!