Michael Brown's Encore Podcast

This is my first message to my new staff at Wilde Lake High School in Howard County Public Schools.

Welcome to a special solo episode of the Encore Podcast, where I'll be dissecting the ubiquitous phrase, "The Struggle is Real." Join me as we explore strategies for navigating our individual challenges by harnessing the power of mindset. Don't miss out on this short yet impactful episode! Reflect on Your Journey's Purpose: What's driving you on this path? Reconnect with your initial motivation to propel yourself through the toughest of times. Embrace the Temporary Nature of Discomfort: Understand that discomfort is transient. Train your mind to endure short-term struggles with resilience and adaptability. Embrace Transformation: Remember, struggles have the potential to shape us positively. Embrace the journey, knowing that you'll emerge as a stronger, evolved version of yourself at the finish line.

In this episode, listeners will be treated to an engaging conversation between me and WMHS Sophomore Olivia Pollard. Olivia, a remarkable individual dedicated to improving both her school and the world, shares insights into her passion for sports and how her personal journey with mental health inspires her to make a difference in others' lives. Don't miss out on this enlightening discussion!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the great conversation I had with one of our English teachers and Head Football Coach of WMHS, Mr. Matt Miller. Coach Miller is a longstanding member of the faculty. In this episode, we will talk about his tenure here as a football coach and teacher, as well as dive into what made this season a success on and off the field. We will also discuss his passion for his family, and how they support him through it all. You will not want to miss out on this one!

In this solo episode of the Encore Podcast, I will dive into the topic of "disappointment." I will talk about how to get over disappointment and what steps you should take to assure success moving forward. Make sure you tune into this short power-packed episode, you will not want to miss it! 1. Take in the emotions that come with disappointment. Allow yourself to feel what you feel. It is normal to have emotions! 2. Let the disappointment spark your motivation. How are you going to assure this won't happen to you again? 3. Organize your thoughts. What is your plan moving forward? Write down your goals on how to get there. 4. Use your support system. Lean on those people in your life that love and care about you. Don't be scared to ask for advice.

In this episode, I had the pleasure to sit down with Tiara Booker-Dwyer, from Next Level Leadership. She currently is a part of a partnership with MASSP & MAESP that brings valuable professional development opportunities to aspiring school leaders across the region. Listen, as we explore a variety of different subjects ranging from her own school leadership journey to what challenges await school leaders today. If you are a former, future, or current school leader, you will not want to miss this one!

In this solo episode of the Encore Podcast, I will dive into the term, "Carelessness." I will define what that term means to me and how powerful it can be to change that attitude and move to a place of positivity. Make sure you tune into this short power packed episode; you don't want to miss this one! 1. Definition of Carelessness 2. Stop saying, "I don't care!" Everyone cares about someone and/or something. 3. Changing your circle can alter your path in life!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the great conversation with Mr. Jordan Jason, Science Teacher here WMHS. Jordan is entering his second full year as a teacher here at Winters Mill. In this episode, we will talk about his biggest wins as a new teacher, as well as what adjustments he has made of the past year. We will also dive into his passion for video games, and what supports he has gotten as a new teacher at WMHS. You will not want to miss out on this one!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy a joyful conversation between former student and Alumni, Ms. Kaitlyn Belfield of WMHS. During this conversation you will learn more about Kaitlyn and her recent accomplishments, including graduating from college. Also, we will talk about how being a leader at WMHS has made a positive impact on her life. Kaitlyn will also touch on the inspirational people in her life so far, as well as the big difference between High School and College. Trust me, you don't want to miss this episode!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the great conversation with Greg Knill, Academic Facilitator for WMHS. Greg has spent the majority of his career here at Winters Mill and is currently a part of our Administrative Leadership team. In this episode, we will cover topics such as his current role and the impact he has had with student leadership over the years. We will also dive into why his family is so important to him, and what continues to drive him at this point in his career. You will not want to miss out on this one!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the insightful conversation between Senior Exchange student, Ornella Saragosa and me. During this conversation, you will learn more about her journey to come to America from France and what went into that thought process. We will also dive into some of the biggest differences between the American and French cultures. Ornella will also explore her love for America, but also how she manages missing home. Trust me, you don't want to miss this!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the great conversation between WMHS Senior Logan Sloan and me. During this conversation you will learn about how Logan leads our monthly school Culture Chats, as well as how much he has grown over the past four years at WMHS. We will also explore how he manages the stressors that come along with being a high school senior, and what advice he has for those out there struggling. You don't miss out on this one!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the very energetic conversation between WMHS Sophomore Lexi Jackson and me. This young lady is a lively individual that everyone tends to love. In this episode, we will undiscover what is it about her personality that draws people in, and how the struggles with her mental health didn't break her. We will also explore her passion for sports and how she has created her own nonprofit organization, Think-ly. Please don't miss out on this one!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with one of our amazing assistant principals of WMHS, Mr. Shawn Girch. This role at WMHS is vital to our success, as Shawn has been with us for the past 3 years. Listen, as we explore a variety of different topics ranging from his role as AP, to the love he has for his three boys and wife. We will even dive into his story and becoming an administrator and what are some of the things that drive him to be the best. You will not want to miss this one!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the very lively conversation between WMHS Freshmen and weather whiz kid Sydney Schertz. This young lady is an outstanding person who has had a passion for all things weather related since she was little. In this episode, we will cover that very topic and dive into the driving force that attracted her to a career in weather. We will even explore her passion for helping communities recover from natural disasters, and her love for being on the open plains. You will not want to miss this one!

In this solo episode of the Encore Podcast, I will dive into the term, "All love." I will define what that term means to me and how having love for others can be powerful piece to your life. Make sure you tune into this short power packed episode; you don't want to miss this one! 1. You can show love to someone that has done you wrong. 2. You can show love to someone that doesn't love you back. 3. Love is self-healing.

In this solo episode of the Encore Podcast, I will dive into the negative aspects of social media and why it is important to lead and not follow. We will talk through the recent viral events in Philly and how that situation can have a lasting impact on all those involved. You don't want to miss this short, but power packed episode!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the very spirited conversation I had with WMHS Junior, Sarah Ruiz. This young lady is a fantastic student who is involved in a variety of activities at WMHS. In this episode we will cover a wide array of topics ranging from her involvement in the student-led group Cultural Difference Unite, as well as her passion for law and her Hispanic heritage. We will even explore what Hispanic Heritage Month means to her and the love she has for her home country of Columbia. You will not want to miss this episode!

In this episode, I had to pleasure to sit down with Adriana Wiseman, our Hispanic Student Liaison. At WMHS there are several positions that are unique and vital to student success. Listen, as we explore a variety of different subjects ranging from her Hispanic Heritage to how her current role translates to student achievement. You don't want to miss this one!

Last week in the world of college football we got a chance to see an abnormal upset. Colorado University upset the #17 ranked TCU Bullfrogs. This upset, led by Coach Sanders (Former NFL Star and TV Analyst) was a little different. Hear how this Colorado win can motivate you from being a person who accepts what others think of you, to a person who proves people wrong. You don't want to miss it!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the very spirited conversation I had with WMHS Seniors Tomi & Tobi Olawale. These young ladies are dynamic twins that are engaged in a variety of activities with our school. In this episode we will cover a wide array of topics ranging from their Chipotle addiction, as well as their passion for soccer and other sports. We will even explore their African heritage and how being from Nigeria motivates them daily. You will not want to miss this episode!

In this episode, listeners will enjoy the conversation I had with Christy Kennedy of WMHS. Christy is currently a social studies teacher and our School Improvement Team co-chair, as well as the advisor for the student-led group, Cultural Differences Unite. In this episode we will cover topics related to her current role with the school, as well as what impact having multiple roles have on a positive school culture. We will even explore her background in alternative education and how that translates to WMHS. And if you are a dog lover...we even have you covered with that...you don't want to miss this one!

In this episode, I will be talking directly to all school staff. As we are on the verge of yet another school year, I will break down five key points that will help you focus on the work ahead. It doesn't matter if you are a new teacher or a 30-year veteran...this episode is for you! 1. Clear your mind 2. New Year, Better You 3. 100% Goal 4. Positive Relationships Matter 5. Have Fun

In this first episode, listeners will enjoy the conversation I had with David Steinwedel. Dave is currently a security assistant and assistant football coach at Winters Mill High School. In this episode we will cover topics related to his current role with the school, as well as, what impact these dual roles have had on students in recent years. We will even explore the current state of the Baltimore Ravens, plus don't miss Dave's other organization that he is passionate about. Definitely an episode you don't want to miss!

This is an introduction to The Encore Podcast. In this episode, I will get into the "why" behind this show and where I think it can go this year. Listen, as I breakdown several key points as to the importance of the podcast and what audience I will be targeting.