The Elemental Educator Podcast

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this episode, The Teacher’s PT Martin Malone shares how one devastating teaching experience led him to rebuild his life, his health, and his purpose. From losing all income during COVID to building an online coaching business that serves thousands of educators, Martin’s story reveals the tension between luck and skill, and the courage it takes to stay authentic when easy money calls. We explore ...

Power isn’t about titles... it’s about influence, intention, and integrity. Microsoft leads with empathy. Spotify leads with freedom. Apple leads with perfection. Each has redefined what power feels like inside an organization — and what it costs. In this video, we’ll break down how these three leadership philosophies are reshaping business, culture, and human connection. 💭 Question for you: If you could choose one kind of power —...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this conversation, creator, strategist, and educator Mike Saad breaks down what it really takes to build a brand that lasts. From content that converts to the discipline behind creativity, we explore why most creators get stuck in volume over value—and how to shift toward clarity, consistency, and community. Mike and Tyler unpack the difference between chasing views and leading with purpose, rev...

In this episode of Applied Leadership, we analyze two leadership moves making headlines this week. Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon delivered an unflinching warning about AI’s disruption of jobs, while JLL created a brand-new CEO role to elevate property management to the executive level. Together, they illustrate the dual role of leadership: naming disruption honestly, and structuring opportunity deliberately.

We explore what these mov...

What you’ll get from this episode Principal-certified wellness coach and former Canadian National Barefoot Water Ski team member Michelle Sigmann breaks down how high performance translates to schools: unlearning to truly listen, building connection through communication, and replacing willpower myths with daily, sustainable habits. We examine the balance of luck and skill, the leadership cost of poor listening, and practical routi...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this episode, Chris DT Gordon shares his extraordinary journey from battling a flesh-eating bacteria to running marathons and inspiring others through what he calls the “attitude of gratitude.” We explore how resilience is built in moments of crisis, why perfection is the wrong pursuit, and how gratitude can reshape both personal and professional life. This conversation challenges you to rethink...

The biggest threat to leaders today isn’t failure — it’s hesitation. In the age of AI, every delay is a decision made for you. Every silence is power surrendered. And leadership without action? It’s already outdated. This episode of Applied Leadership equips you with: Why you can’t lead what you don’t understand The role of AI literacy in modern leadership How to guide others through uncertainty without having all the answers Don’t...

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler sits down with Mitch Zuvela — educator, international teacher, instructional designer, and EdTech innovator. Mitch’s journey has taken him from classrooms around the world to the cutting edge of digital learning, math innovation, and educational technology. With a background in teaching, consulting for Pearson, and graduate studies at UBC, Mitch is shaping how leaders and educators can h...

before listening to this episode I wanted to apologize for the sound quality. In wanting to keep the message out there I decided to still publish the episode, on the caveat that some concepts will be hard to hear.

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler welcomes Dr. Stephanie Van Deynze-Snell — veterinarian, co-owner of a thriving veterinary hospital, flow state coach, consultant, and speaker. After scaling her business whi...

The strongest leaders don’t just issue directives — they show up. And if no one sees you, no one follows you. In this Applied Leadership breakdown, we unpack 3 research-backed shifts that will transform how you lead with presence this week: ✅ Visibility Builds Safety — Why showing up in hallways and meetings reduces fear and builds trust ✅ Your Energy Spreads — How emotional contagion impacts cooperation, conflict, and team perform...

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler welcomes Steve Bollar — also known as Stand Tall Steve — a nationally recognized speaker, author, former superintendent and principal, and a 2023 Global Gurus Top 30 Education Professional. With boundless energy and a proven track record of transforming culture and climate, Steve brings practical leadership insights that resonate far beyond schools. Leaders, CEOs, executives, managers, a...

The best organizations don’t lead with pressure — they lead with purpose. And the most resilient schools? They’re rooted in belonging. In this Applied Leadership breakdown, we dive into 3 powerful shifts from Superintendent Christopher Fuzessy’s story — and what they mean for your leadership this week: ✅ Why belonging outperforms test scores ✅ How to empower without micromanaging ✅ Why staff wellbeing is a leadership strategy, not ...

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler sits down with Christopher Fuzessy, Superintendent and Chief Education Officer of Foothill School Division in southern Alberta. Together, they explore how leaders—whether in education, business, or community organizations—can empower people, build wellbeing, and create thriving environments where everyone can succeed.

Leaders, CEOs, executives, managers, and teachers alike will discover ...

In a world moving faster than ever, human connection remains our most powerful lifeline. In this deeply reflective episode, we explore what it truly means to be seen, heard, and understood. From quiet moments of presence to the courage it takes to be vulnerable, this podcast invites you to reconnect—with yourself, and with those around you. Whether you're feeling isolated, emotionally exhausted, or simply longing for deeper relatio...

If your leadership feels heavy… you might’ve forgotten how to enjoy it. In this episode of Applied Leadership, we unpack why fun isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership advantage. Learn the 3 research-backed reasons joy builds stronger teams, better decisions, and long-term impact. Subscribe for more leadership strategies every Monday and Thursday.

Barsade, S. G. (2002). The ripple effect: Emotional contagion and its influence on group be...

The most effective leader isn't always the loudest, but the one who embraces authentic leadership. Apply the lessons you learn to refine your leadership skills and understand that small actions matter. Discover the power of influence others and how it shapes visionary leadership.

Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical leadership: A review and future directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595–616. https://doi.org...

Leadership isn't just about strategy—it’s about energy. In this solo episode, Tyler shares 3 high-impact shifts every leader needs after hearing Phil’s story. In this Applied Leadership episode, Tyler Comeau breaks down 3 transformational takeaways from his interview with Phil Januszewski—and what to do with them: 🧠 Takeaway 1: Energy is Contagious (and Strategic) Backed by research from Armston and Daniel Goleman, energy sets the...

What does it really mean when someone says, “What you do matters”? William D. Parker shares the truth behind legacy, leadership, and the moments that shape school culture forever. ➡️ Subscribe for weekly leadership insights: https://www.youtube.com/@ElementalEducator?sub_confirmation=1 📎 Connect with William D. Parker: Website – https://www.williamdparker.com Books – https://www.williamdparker.com/books Podcast (Principal Matters)...

What happens when a teacher refuses to stay silent and starts creating change—online and in real life? Brandon Jenkins shares how humor, authenticity, and servant leadership transform classrooms and communities. In this episode of The Elemental Educator, host Tyler Comeau talks with Brandon Jenkins—educator, content creator, and host of Teaching in Color. They explore: Servant leadership vs. transactional leadership Why representat...