PODCAST · education
The Interview Chair
by Jimmy Casas
Are you an educator who is currently feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or wondering if you can continue to do this work? Visualize yourself back in the interview chair. You were genuine, sincere and full of passion. You convinced a group of people that you were the best person for the job and you believed it. That is the real you. Join Jimmy Casas, educator, speaker, and best-selling author as he takes you back to the interview chair to remind you of why you wanted to become an educator. If you are ready to reflect on the role you play in impacting the culture and climate in your school, this podcast is for you!
Episodes
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Episode 141: When Your Own Tank Is Low
In this episode, Jimmy discusses the importance of hope, resilience, and intentionality in education. Focusing on the 4th Core Principle of Culturize, Merchant of Hope, he shares practical habits for teachers to foster a positive culture, maintain high standards, and support both students and...
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Episode 140: All Means All
In this episode, Dr. Adam Drummond-Konopasek and Danny Drummond Konopasek discuss their book 'When All Means All' and explore strategies for creating inclusive, engaging, and supportive school environments that foster belonging for all students and staff.
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Episode 139: Overcoming Grief
This powerful conversation with Craig Woodall explores grief, resilience, and what it means to face what we cannot fix. After losing his brother on 9/11, Craig shares how he learned to stand in the storm, and lead with greater empathy and understanding.
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Episode 138: Refine With Growth
How do you know you're getting better if you never look back? In this episode, we explore Refine, the fourth step in The Drip Effect, and why reflection, not speed, is what makes change actually stick. We unpack the difference between reflection and rumination, walk through the Zoom In, Zoom Out,...
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Episode 137: Act With Purpose
In this episode, we dive deep into the third step of the Drip Effect framework: Act. It’s not just about having clarity; it’s about translating that clarity into tangible actions. As leaders, we often find ourselves paralyzed by the pressure of having to make decisions, and sometimes, we fail to...
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Episode 136: Carry the Banner
Back to school week sets the tone for the entire year, whether you're intentional about it or not. In this episode, we dig into Carry the Banner, one of the four core principles of Culturize and unpack what it looks like to create meaningful experiences during the first weeks of school that...
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Episode 135: Clarify with Focus
In this episode, we talk about why decision fatigue builds, why "one priority" beats a packed to-do list, and how to tell what's actually yours to carry this year.
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Episode 134: How Healthy Is Your Team?
In this episode, Jimmy discusses the components of a High-Performing Team Self-Assessment and how to use it to check the pulse of your team before the new year begins.
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Episode 133: Why Leaders Stay Exhausted
In this episode, Jimmy Casas explores the hidden cost of hustle culture and shares practical ways to replace constant busyness with intentional leadership that creates lasting impact. Key Takeaways From Episode 133 Exhaustion is often caused by constant reaction rather than intentional…
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Episode 132: The Leadership Mirror
In this episode, Jimmy shares his insights on the power of self-reflection, modeling, and the role everyone's behavior plays in shaping the culture of an entire system.
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Episode 131: Lead Like You Are in a Job Interview
In this engaging interview, Dr. Tiffany Bone shares her inspiring journey through education, leadership challenges, and personal growth. Discover her insights on building effective teams, maintaining work-life balance, and the transformative power of education.
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Episode 130: School Counselors: The Heart of a School
In this heartfelt interview, Amy Harksen shares her journey as a school counselor, leader, and advocate for students and staff. Discover practical strategies for building trust, leading teams, and connecting with families to create a positive school culture.
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Episode 129: Building Community in Athletic Programs
In this episode, Jimmy sits down with former school Athletic Director Stephen Speck. Whether you are an AD, school leader, or parent of a student athlete, this interview offers meaningful insight to help all of us build a community where our players, performers, parents, coaches, and…
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Episode 128: Don't Apologize for Caring
In this episode, Jimmy reflects on challenges that come with leading a school in the last month of the calendar year, causing us sometimes to move quickly and create undercurrents that impact staff morale in negative ways. He also shares his views on hiring, evaluations and reinforces a powerful...
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Episode 127: A Soft Place to Land
In this episode, Jimmy calls for educators to lead with empathy, recognizing that students and colleagues often carry unseen pain that influences their behavior. Rather than reacting to actions alone, schools should create a “soft place to land” by building trust, showing compassion, and...
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Episode 126: The Internal Siren
Avoiding tough conversations can turn small issues into major conflicts. In this episode, Jimmy shares practical strategies to help you initiate those conversations and build a culture of open communication and trust.
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Episode 125: Fingerprints on the Sculpture
In this episode, Jimmy reminds decision-makers that the more staff and students who have their “fingerprints on the sculpture” to determine the vision, design, and implementation for the culturized classroom and school, the more likely we are to get the positive results we desire. A positive…
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Episode 124: Responding to Disruptive Behavior
In this episode, Jimmy challenges listeners to reflect on how they are responding to disruptive student behaviors and provides several practical examples for you to consider.
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Episode 123: Ease the Pain in the Classroom
Most educators feel overwhelmed by challenging behaviors — but what if changing the approach could turn chaos into connection? Dr. Bethany Bilidou, an expert in human behavior and creator of the "Ease the Pain in the Classroom" framework, shares surprising strategies that empower teachers to…
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Episode 122: Just Hanging On
In this episode, Jimmy shares how educators are facing fatigue as they enter the final stretch of the school year. He reminds us that if we want students to stay focused and continue to work hard, then we, as educators, need to do the same. Jimmy shares specific steps that we can take to regain...
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Episode 121: The Power of Giving Permission
In this episode, Jimmy sits down with his wife, Kheila Casas, to reflect on her journey and passion for education. Together, they discuss the value of giving others permission, the importance of instructional clarity, and offer insights on balancing leadership and family life with intention and...
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Episode 120: Reflection Is the Best Teacher
In this thought-provoking episode, Will Parker shares his journey as an educator and leader, emphasizing the importance of reflection, asking for help, and building strong relationships within school communities. He highlights the significance of small steps and how they can lead to significant...
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Episode 119: Sometimes It’s Not the Right Time
In this engaging conversation, Jen Schwanke, an Ohio deputy superintendent, shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of leadership in education. The discussion covers her early failures, the role of principals, the need for instructional leadership, and the significance of empowering...
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Episode 118: That Was Not My Intention
In this episode, Jimmy highlights the impact of our words and actions, emphasizing the difference between intent and impact. He discusses how educators can make a profound impact on their students and colleagues by being intentional with words, particularly around the concepts of apologies and...
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Episode 117: The Negative Impact of Hustle Culture
In this authentic, engaging conversation, Meg Simon, a dynamic leader in education, shares her journey in the fast-paced world of education, including the challenges that often come with the immense pressure of being everything to everyone. Meg opens up about the personal hidden struggles of...
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Episode 116: Every Rose Has Its Thorns
In this episode, Jimmy introduces the "Rose and Thorn" reflection practice, highlighting how focusing on the positive experiences can help navigate challenges. He shares transformative stories of students who overcame adversity, reinforcing the message of hope and resilience in education.
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Episode 115: Stuck in the Compliance Trap
Jimmy shares a personal experience where his approach to student behavior was rooted in a compliance mentality, focusing on punishment rather than understanding. This experience led him to realize the need for a shift from a culture of compliance to one of investment.
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Episode 114: When Leadership Gets Personal
In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kirsten Frankovich shares how she sat in the Interview Chair as a young, strong, and confident leader and left the chair feeling broken and wondering if she was truly ready for the role. She emphasizes the importance of women leaders embracing motherhood…
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Episode 113: Recalibrating Our Collective Commitments
In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from his best-selling book, Recalibrate the Culture, and reminds us of the significance of giving all members of the school community a voice in identifying our collective commitments to one another. More importantly, he identifies two critical questions...
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Episode 112: Enhancing Professional Learning
In this engaging conversation, David James shares his journey from substitute teacher to assistant principal, and back to classroom teacher, and his role in leading the Wolfpack Workshop Series professional development for staff. David also discusses his commitment to mentoring new teachers and...
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Episode 111: Personalizing Trust Through Assessment
In this episode of the Interview Chair, host Jimmy Casas shares insights from coaching leaders, emphasizing the need for personal connection to build trust with all members of the school community.
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Episode 110: Breaking Down Barriers
In this episode, Lynmara Colón opens up about her journey from self-doubt to self-empowerment. Through the guidance of key mentors, Lynmara discovered the power of bilingualism, the importance of owning her intelligence, and the courage to step fully into who she is. Today, she is dedicated to...
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Episode 109: The Impact of Student Voice
In this episode, Jimmy highlights the power of student voice and shares insights directly from students themselves. He reveals the questions they believe every candidate should be ready to answer.
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Episode 108: Taking On Negative Self-Talk
In this conversation, Todd Nesloney discusses the importance of embracing our vulnerability and the necessity of addressing negative self-talk to take control of our own thoughts. He emphasizes that while it's okay to feel broken at times, it's crucial not to dwell in that negativity, as it can...
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Episode 107: Feeling Supported
How do you respond when you don’t feel supported? In this episode, Jimmy shares his thoughts on how we can move forward and more importantly, reflect on our own behaviors to ensure we don’t cause those same feelings for others.
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Episode 106: 3 Ways to Impact Your School System
In episode 106, Jimmy describes the throughline from the boardroom to the classroom and how we all play a part in shaping the culture of an organization. Taking real examples from his coaching experiences across the country, he shares three ways that districts can impact the entire school system...
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Episode 105: The Power of Purposeful Reflection
In this episode, Dr. Maria Lewis discusses the challenges educators face and her current role in school performance and curriculum development, emphasizing the importance of mindset and communication.
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Episode 104: Taking Inventory of Our Work
In this episode, Dr. Rick Fernandez shares his insights on the importance of philosophical alignment among staff, the impact of experience on leadership roles, and the significance of perception in the educational environment. Dr. Fernandez also highlights his current work in career and technical...
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Episode 103: Remembering Where You Came From
In this conversation, Van Ayres, superintendent of Hillsborough County Schools, shares his journey from student to leading the 7th largest school district in the country. Van reflects on the challenges and responsibilities of being a Superintendent, highlighting the need for collaboration,...
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Episode 102: Leveling Up Learning Through Innovation
In this episode, Laura Williams, a 21st-century learning specialist, shares her journey through personal and professional challenges, emphasizing the importance of authentic learning experiences in education and how educators can embrace change and innovation in their classrooms. Laura also...
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Episode 101: The Importance of Relational Intelligence
In this episode, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket shares her journey as a principal, discussing the importance of relational intelligence in school leadership, advocating for trust, connection, and collaboration to foster a positive school culture. In addition, she offers valuable advice for educators...
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Episode 100: Celebrating 100 Episodes of Educational Impact
Join Jimmy Casas, Jonathan Alsheimer, Erika Bare, and Jessica Cabeen as they take you back to The Interview Chair. Together they share different perspectives on how every interaction has the power to make a lasting impact.
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Episode 99: Before the Bell Rings
Jimmy shares ways to set yourself up for success each morning so you can lead with clarity and purpose all day long.
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Episode 98: Making This the Best Year Yet!
In this episode, Jimmy goes back to The Interview Chair and shares 3 ways you can focus on making this the best year yet!
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Episode 97: The 3 Gold Standards for Educators
In this episode, Kelly Croy shares his journey in education, discussing the challenges he faced transitioning from a classroom teacher to a district administration, including imposter syndrome. He addresses the anxiety many educators experience and offers advice to navigate these feelings while...
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Episode 96: Taking Ownership
In this episode, JImmy interviews the 2025 National High School Principal of the Year, Toni Cattani. Tony shares his experience with isolation and the pressures faced by many school leaders to be everything for everyone, sometimes causing them to question whether they can continue doing this…
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Episode 95: Maintaining a Serendipity Mindset
In this engaging conversation, Allyson Apsey shares her journey as an educator and school leader, emphasizing the importance of a serendipity mindset and the impact of trauma on students and staff. She emphasizes the significance of knowing your core values and the importance of believing in...
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Episode 94: The Blueprint: Overcoming the Fear of Failure
In this episode, Todd Bloomer, long-time school leader, discusses his fear of failure and the challenges he faced in leadership, including the importance of effective communication, self-reflection, relationships, and the importance of prioritizing family while maintaining a passion for education.
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Episode 93: Every Child Deserves Someone to Be Crazy About Them
In this episode, Principal Salome Thomas-EL shares his thoughts on the significance of every educator's role in a child's life, embracing their role as champions for students by challenging the status quo and ensuring that every child feels valued and supported.
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Episode 92: Resilience in Education
In this conversation, Dr. Sarah Johnson shares her journey in education and discusses the challenges she faced in her career, the importance of resilience, self-care, and the power of community and networking. Her insights provide valuable advice for educators who find themselves questioning…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Are you an educator who is currently feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or wondering if you can continue to do this work? Visualize yourself back in the interview chair. You were genuine, sincere and full of passion. You convinced a group of people that you were the best person for the job and you believed it. That is the real you. Join Jimmy Casas, educator, speaker, and best-selling author as he takes you back to the interview chair to remind you of why you wanted to become an educator. If you are ready to reflect on the role you play in impacting the culture and climate in your school, this podcast is for you!
HOSTED BY
Jimmy Casas
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Interview Chair have?
The Interview Chair currently has 141 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Interview Chair about?
Are you an educator who is currently feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or wondering if you can continue to do this work? Visualize yourself back in the interview chair. You were genuine, sincere and full of passion. You convinced a group of people that you were the best person for the job and you...
How often does The Interview Chair release new episodes?
The Interview Chair publishes regularly with 141 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Interview Chair?
You can listen to The Interview Chair 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 Interview Chair?
The Interview Chair is created and hosted by Jimmy Casas.
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