PODCAST · education
The Smart Thinking Podcast
by Ted Neitzke IV
Ted Neitzke brings you the ”The Smart Thinking Podcast.” Smart Thinking is for anyone and everyone -- because we are all leaders. Join us weekly for reflective activities and strategies to grow yourself and others. Ted shares his leadership expertise with simple to apply tools. You will grow in your ability to step into the storm’s life presents with energy and optimism. Just like the buffalo!
Episodes
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Episode 393: Interview: Jonathan Reynolds – Talent Man & Author
This is an engaging conversation between Ted and Jonathan Reynolds who met in Kansas City after Jonathan had keynoted at the 2026 EOS conference. Jonathan is an enthusiastic leader and a creative problem-solver who has nearly 20 years of experience in recruiting and talent strategy. He is the CEO...
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Episode 392: Be Coachable (Leadership & Process)
Are you coachable? Take a listen as we explore the behaviors of those who are and are not coachable. This episode identifies the four types of people in coaching and shares reflections and actions to make you more coachable and a better coach of others. The Rookies Rookies are the fresh faces who...
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Episode 391: Pumpkin Spice Reads for Fall: 6 Books for All of Us (Leadership)
Fall is a season of change for many of us smart thinkers and as a result we need to be prepared. How about a sequence of texts to help you be perseverant, learn from mistakes, be more creative when facing constraints, help teams collaborate through it all, be a better writer/communicator and then...
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Episode 390: A discussion with an Australian principal about Australia's social media and cell phone laws in schools
What if we could hear about the future? Well, you can on this episode as Ted discusses how Australian laws around cell phones and social media have positively impacted learning and student wellbeing. Australia is a great study of what “to do” in order to support the growth of young people....
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Episode 389: Your Greatest Hits (Reflection)
Each of us is on an amazing journey each week. Regardless of age, every single one of us collects great moments in our day-to-day. Well, what if we took the time to support ourselves and others so that we could collect and reflect on the greatest moments of our day or support others to think…
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Episode 388: What is your purpose statement? (Leadership & Reflection)
Do you have a purpose statement? If not why not? No purpose - no point! What process do you use to ensure you are living your purpose and doing what you need to do in order to be the best you? This episode is a great reflection opportunity for you to help you create a statement to guide you and…
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Episode 387: The Digital Delusion - A Conversation with Jared Horvath - Neuroscientist and Author (Updated)
This summer Jared and Ted joined forces at the Smart Thinking Leadership retreat and presented to hundreds of educators. Jared was a smash hit and his research, strategies, and ideas were quickly taken back into educational systems to support learning and a movement away from "edutech" We've done...
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Episode 386: Reminders for New and Experienced Teachers & Student Teachers
Too often those of us in education forget one simple idea about ourselves: we matter. Join Ted as he explores the ways in which we matter and he reminds us how impactful we actually all are and how to put up guardrails to ensure we are engaged for ourselves and others. The episode ends with…
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Season 9: Episode 385: Start the year with the RIDE Principle
What principle guides you when you lead others? From today forward it will be the RIDE principle. A keen recognition of your influence with others. Listen as Ted take's the lessons from horseback riding and applies it to how we should manage our classrooms, staff rooms, and board rooms. Because...
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Episode 384: Go To your Storm – The Book (Leadership & Resource)
Hey Hey! Ted has written another book and on this episode he describes why listening to a nudge helped him complete his first full leadership book. A book filled with practical and applicable ways to approach life. Go To Your Storm is an inspirational, personal growth, and leadership development...
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Episode 383: True Collaboration (Process & Leadership)
Why do so many people struggle on teams and working together? Well, there is no simple answer -- but there is a process. Join Ted on this episode as he brings you a practice to help elevate your teams and support your leadership while either leading or participating on a collaborative team....
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Episode 382: For the Educators (Strategy)
Summer is an amazing time. How can we utilize this summer to reinforce and recognize the efforts of educators? Ted shares with us the research on everything teachers - from hours worked to the money they spend in their classroom. The call to action on this episode is to utilize the summer months…
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Episode 381: Your Improvement: Books for Summer & Life
Ted had crafted a list of texts to read so that you can invest in yourself this summer as a person and leader. These texts will bring you opportunities to practice self-empathy, mindfulness, well-being, and seek meaning. As he explains in this episode - reading matters for all elements of your…
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Episode 380: Generationally Diverse Teams (Leadership and Game)
Why do we ignore the wisdom of different generations? Likely because we don't understand the contributions that we are all capable of making. We look past people with lot's of experience and we look past people we think have no experience. But, we all have unique experiences, wisdom, and skills...
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Episode 379: A Conversation with a Mental Strength Expert and Author: Amy Morin
This is a very powerful conversation with a psychotherapist and author who provides some serious smart thinking on how to approach your own mental wellness as well as how to support others. This conversation will leave you wanting her books and everything produced by Amy. Amy Morin and Ted have a...
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Episode 378: Campfire Conversations Elevate: A Process to End the School Year or Journey
Too often we miss the opportunity to grow together at the end of a journey or school year. Don't let the ending screw up your next beginning. Take a listen as we describe a campfire process to support growing together, increasing engagement as well as recognition and acknowledging effort in order...
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Episode 377: Engagement and Strengths - A Conversation with Emily Lorenz and Tim Hodges (Leadership)
Join us a for a great and in-depth conversation on the latest research around employee engagement and the application of your strengths in life and leadership. Tim and Emily are colleagues at Gallup and are friends of the podcast. Both Tim and Emily share strong insight into our current state of...
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Episode 376: A Needed Conversation (Leadership)
On this episode Ted revisits his favorite conversation with Greg Harden. Greg Harden was a legendary motivational figure and peak performance coach, best known for his influential work as an administrator and counselor at the University of Michigan. Often described as a "secret weapon" for elite...
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Episode 375: The Danger of Assumptions in Your Culture: The WHAT Principle
We are living in an age where people are believing the headlines (gossip) and not reading the story. As a result, people are making assumptions about the circumstances in their world and commenting before acquiring the facts. This leads us to a need to ask “what?” and follow the WHAT principle....
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Episode 374: Normalize Positivity (Leadership & Process)
In nature, negative is always attracted to positive. In human nature however, negative attracts more negative. Take a listen as Ted breaks down how to normalize positivity with behaviors and processes. It is time to normalize positivity in our lives and workspaces. This can only occur if we, as...
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Episode 373: Books for Break (Leadership)
Spring break is around the corner and that means we'll have time to reflect, reenergize, and maybe even relax. Since we are all leaders, that means we all need to invest in ourselves so that we can increase our ability to serve others. On this episode we explore six texts and a process using AI…
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Episode 372: Lead Like A Meteorologist – Change Management (Leadership & Process)
Spring is a season of change and when we lead change, we need some reminders to help us help ourselves and others get through the natural storms of change. We will explore the key behaviors for supporting change by focusing on processes that forecast the changes for others as well as providing...
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Episode 371: Coach Yourself and Others!!! (Leadership & Best Practices)
Each of us need to grow forward. Coaching yourself and others through tools and processes is the best way to increase your leadership capacity and skill sets. Take a listen as we explore how to apply some of the best practices in coaching to support all those we serve and mostly ourselves. This...
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Episode 371: Coach Yourself and the Others! (Leadership & Best Practices))
Each of us need to grow forward. Coaching yourself and others through tools and processes is the best way to increase your leadership capacity and skill sets. Take a listen as we explore how to apply some of the best practices in coaching to support all those we serve and mostly ourselves. This...
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Episode 370: A Conversation with a Conversation Expert: Craig Weber (Leadership & Tactics)
Take a listen as we discuss how to increase your ability to have meaningful conversations. Ted and Craig discuss how to lean into our difference, and they review strategies to support strong interactions that are purposeful. Vulnerability and authenticity are always difficult at work and finding...
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Episode 369: Reflect and Project (Reflection & Leadership)
On every journey, we need to intentionally review (reflect) how far we’ve come and set goals (project) to ensure successful completion. Take a listen as we discuss a strategy that is fun and engaging and will allow you to increase your leadership and support students, colleagues, and yourself...
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Episode 368: The Trust Gap: Why Are Your Students/Teams Holding Back? (Leadership Strategy)
Would you like to get the people around you to be the best version of themselves? Would you like to be able and willing to take risks, adopt change, and collaborate? Well, you need to make it safe for them. Take a listen as Ted shares a process for increasing psychological safety in the…
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Episode 367: Questions from Parents (Strategy and Reflection)
Parenting is the single greatest calling and responsibility for each of us that is at the same time equally being unnerving and frustrating. It is a lonely business where we have more questions than answers. Join us on this episode as we explore questions raised by parents at one of the smart...
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Episode 366: Technology & Learning Don't Mix Very Well: A Conversation with Neuroscientist/Author Jared Horvath
What is the impact of technology in the classroom? Well, after over a decade of schools around the world utilizing technology in the classroom, the results are in, and they’re not great. Join Ted and Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath as they discuss Jared’s newest research and his book The Digital…
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Episode 365: Positive Reinforcement: The Cure All (Tactics & Leadership)
Over the course of a school year or project, people tend to decrease in their tolerance for others while at the same time increasing their understanding of people. When this happens we need to reframe how we treat others so that -- we and they -- find success. Too often we begin to grow…
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Episode 364: Truly Resolved: Tactics for a New Year and Well-Being (Tactics)
Micro resolutions lead to macro outcomes. Join us as Ted shares five ways to support your well-being and mental fitness heading into your weekend, your week, or the New Year. These are five practical steps that allow you to learn, grow, and go forward with a better level of control. These steps...
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Episode 363: Remembering the purpose of kindergarten. (Leadership & Strategies)
There is a lot of time being spent on student behaviors in early childhood across all school systems. Children are struggling with self-regulation, learning, social as well as emotional control. These challenges are having a BIG impact on everything from learning to staff well-being. On this...
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Episode 362: The Gift of Well-being! Using the SCARF model. (Leadership & Tactic)
What process do you use to support the well-being of yourself and others? Ted explains the application and the neuroscience behind the SCARF model (David Rock) and how growing your understanding of the SCARF principles can create an increased sense of control and a tool to support individual and...
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Episode 361: Parent’s Pay Attention (Leadership and Strategy)
Two questions are addressed on this episode. How do I support my child so that they fend and fail for themselves and how do I deal with the manipulation of children as a parent? Ted discusses parenting techniques and this episode is very relevant for anyone who works with, supports, teaches, or...
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Episode 360: Life on the Upbeat: A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Arau (Leadership)
This conversation is a fantastic reminder of the impact we all have on others - especially how young people can change our direction. Listen as Ted and Matthew explore the impact of maintaining positivity, listening to the influences around you and finding joy in the work of life. Matthew’s…
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Episode 359: Dedication to Gratitude (Process and leadership
Dedication to gratitude is a skill worth building and this is what Ted focuses on in this episode. Listen as we take a fun approach to gratitude and supporting those we are around so that they are stronger as individuals. You will hear a great way to use music to demonstrate gratitude and make...
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Episode 358: The Future Begins With Z: A Conversation with Author Dr. Tim Elmore
Each generation has the ability to define itself and grow into the role of leadership. Take a listen as Ted and Tim discuss how to support the newest workforce generation and support their success in life and leadership. Tim’s new book is a fantastic read, guide, and tactic filled study. If you...
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Episode 357: C2S: From Complaint to Solution (Leadership & Mindset)
Take a listen as Ted explores how we can grow our ability o respond to situations with solutions instead of complaints. You see, complaining and criticizing is easy if you don't have the skills to seek solutions or strategies. Everyone has a response when they are squeezed and Ted shares with you...
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Episode 356: Let’s Get Engaged (Leadership & Process)
There are three things that we all control: our happiness, our engagement, and our choices. On this episode Ted talks about how we can increase our own engagement by empowering ourselves and checking our mindset while using tools to find empowerment. Ted explains how to use AI to help you…
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Episode 355: Readers are Leaders: Books for Fall 2025
This fall Ted has compiled a great reading list to help you, help yourself. Help you grow skills as a parent or to support parents and one book to increase your perspective. This fall's collection: Aristotle’s Guide to Self Persuasion: Jay Heinrichs The Happiness Files: Arthur Brooks Fight, How…
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Episode 354: Beyond the Label: A Conversation with Author and Leader Rainey Briggs
Join us for a conversation with author and leader Rainey Briggs as we explore the impact of others in our formation and leadership evolution. Learn how tenacity rules the day as we move forward through our lives and discover some great tactics for life and leadership. Book: Beyond the Label: A...
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Episode 353: Organizational Minefields (Leadership and Tool)
When you are new to an organization or team, it is critical to understand the landscape. Too often leaders forget to employ a process to help them create a map and end up stepping on system or individual landmines. Take a listen as Ted shares a process to help you collect the things that trigger...
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Episode 352: Positivity is a Habit - A Conversation with Author Aaron Sadoff
The new book MindCraft, by Aaron Sadoff is a wonderful text that describes all of the positive ways in which you can approach your daily leadership. Join Ted and Aaron as they discuss the highlights of his new book and also reflect upon the ways in which they have both grown as leaders. Aaron...
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Episode 351: See It To Believe It! (Process)
Why do most initiatives in schools and the workplace fail after only a few months? Answer: We ignore the needs of the people or students. People are not going to adopt new ideas unless they can grow together through shared experiences. Take a listen as Ted explores the impact and importance of...
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Episode 350: Reflect Like A Leader (Reflection, Process and Surprise!)
For 350 episodes Ted has suggested reflection in your daily practices. On this milestone episode, he describes a process and shares tools to help you increase your well-being through intentional reflective practices. Why? If you don't fill your brain, it'll fill itself with all the wonderful...
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Episode 349: The Story In Your Head: A conversation with Bob Vajgrt: Architect, Pilot & Author
In this conversation Bob and Ted (not a morning radio show) have a great discussion around leadership, life, and Bob's two new books. Bob is a creative, humble and gifted architect who describes his process for getting the most out of other people with inspirational ideas and mindsets. This...
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Episode 348: There Is No Scorecard in Leadership (Leadership & Process)
Too often we get stuck because of the culture and we need to find ways to support ourselves and others so that we can collect wisdom from the amazing people around us. Join Ted as he shares a great teaming tool to help you build a stronger and safer classroom, teaming environment, meeting or…
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Episode: 347 Prepare The Start Like A Hiker (Leadership and Process)
The energy at the beginning of a journey is critical. Take a listen to for a strategy and a mindset to help you launch this year! The ABC's of hiking is applicable and fun! Here we go season 9!
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Episode 346: Vacation: Take Me Away. (Reflection, Books, and Mindset)
We need to redefine what a vacation is and make certain it is something more than just a trip or time off. Let's get serious about supporting our well-being and creating the conditions so that we can grow our mind, body, spirit and soul. Join us as we reframe taking a vacation and create moments...
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Episode 345: Pause and Applause (Reflection and Engagement Tactic)
During the summer and in between projects we need to create opportunities for people to understand how they make a difference and matter. Join Ted for a conversation and tactic to allow for you to pause and applaud the way in which others make a difference in the world in which we live.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Ted Neitzke brings you the ”The Smart Thinking Podcast.” Smart Thinking is for anyone and everyone -- because we are all leaders. Join us weekly for reflective activities and strategies to grow yourself and others. Ted shares his leadership expertise with simple to apply tools.
You will grow in your ability to step into the storm’s life presents with energy and optimism. Just like the buffalo!
HOSTED BY
Ted Neitzke IV
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Smart Thinking Podcast have?
The Smart Thinking Podcast currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Smart Thinking Podcast about?
Ted Neitzke brings you the ”The Smart Thinking Podcast.” Smart Thinking is for anyone and everyone -- because we are all leaders. Join us weekly for reflective activities and strategies to grow yourself and others. Ted shares his leadership expertise with simple to apply tools. You will grow in...
How often does The Smart Thinking Podcast release new episodes?
The Smart Thinking Podcast has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Smart Thinking Podcast?
You can listen to The Smart Thinking 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 Smart Thinking Podcast?
The Smart Thinking Podcast is created and hosted by Ted Neitzke IV.
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