Fearless Schools Podcast

Fearless Schools Podcast

This is the Fearless Schools Podcast from Creative Leadership Solutions where we discuss and tackle timely topics from the field of education.

Episodes

The Power of Educators: Writing, Reading and Teachers Who Create Possibility with Brad Meltzer

November 15, 2025 • 40 mins
In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with bestselling author Brad Meltzer, exploring the profound impact of educators on students' lives. Meltzer shares his personal journey from a struggling student to a successful writer, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers who believed in him. The conversation delves into themes of gratitude, the importance of failure, and the magic of teaching writing and readin...
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Creativity, Care, and Differentiation: Supporting Teachers, Seeing Students.

November 1, 2025 • 41 mins
In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we welcome Katie Powell, a passionate advocate for middle school education. We discuss Katie's journey from a curious student to a dedicated educator, her insights on engaging students through creative teaching strategies, and the importance of emotional safety in the classroom. Katie shares her experiences that influenced her book, Boredom Bus...
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The Heart-Brain Connection of Great School Leadership

October 16, 2025 • 44 mins
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Mr. Ernest Clinkscale, an experienced and passionate elementary school principal. We discuss the importance of educational leadership, the heart-brain connection in teaching and leading, and the need for empathy and understanding in schools. Mr. Clinkscale shares his personal journey into education, his daily commitment to closing ...
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From Reluctant Student to Fearless Educator

October 1, 2025 • 37 mins
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we welcome back educational leader and author, Allyson Apsey. We discuss Allyson's journey from a reluctant student to a passionate educator, the importance of building relationships in the classroom, and the concept of serendipity in education. The conversation also touches on collective efficacy, the challenges educators face, and practical s...
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Hope, Innovation, and the Future of Education with former Secretary of Education Cardona

September 15, 2025 • 21 mins
In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we interview Dr. Miguel Cardona, the 12th U.S. Secretary of Education. We discuss Dr. Cardona's journey in education, the importance of mentorship, the power of bilingualism and biculturalism, and the challenges facing public education today. Dr. Cardona shares insights on educational innovations during the pandemic, the significance of teacher...
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Closing Attitude Gaps - Principal Kafele

September 1, 2025 • 41 mins
In this engaging Fearless Schools podcast episode, we converse with Principal Kafele, an educational leader with a remarkable journey from student, to celebrated teacher,  to renowned principal and educational thought leader. We explore themes of leadership, the importance of support systems, the need to close the attitude gap in education, and the significance of self-reflection for continuo...
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Fearless Schools Podcast: Dr. Michael Fullan

August 15, 2025 • 51 mins
In this insightful episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we talk to educational researcher and reformer, Dr. Michael Fullan, who delves into the critical role of failure in the learning process and educational reform. He reflects on his career transition from studying change and failure to actively reforming educational systems. Dr. Fullan discusses the importance of moving away from top-d...
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Fearless Instruction Part 3 - Finishing the Puzzle

August 1, 2025 • 35 mins
In this episode of the Fearless School's podcast, we discuss Part 3 of the book, 'Fearless Instruction," entitled "FINISHING THE PUZZLE - Engaging Everyone" We ask the authors to talk about the impact of the 90-90-90 research on their writing for this section and discuss the concepts of literacy as a team sport, interdisciplinary thinking, and doing better when you know better to help all stu...
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    Fearless Instruction Part 2 - Connecting the Pieces: Putting the 90/90/90 Research to Work

    July 24, 2025 • 23 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless School's podcast, we discuss Part 2 of the book, 'Fearless Instruction," entitled "Putting It Together: Doing the Work that Matters." We focus on the 90-90-90 strategies that lead to high student achievement in diverse and economically challenged schools. The conversation emphasizes the importance of effective feedback, clarity, grading, and writing in educatio...
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    Fearless Instruction Part 1-Laying the Foundation: Building a Culture of Collaboration

    July 21, 2025 • 21 mins

    The Fearless Schools podcast team talks to the authors of section 1 ("Laying the Foundation: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration") of the Creative Leadership Solutions book, Fearless Instruction--to learn about the critical information behind the book. In addition to examining the inspiration of Dr. Reeves' 90/90/90 research, they discuss how teachers and leaders can utilize the book to hel...

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    FS Podcast Shorts - Jen Schwanke Leadership

    July 7, 2025 • 35 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we talk to Dr. Jen Schwanke and we explore the journey of educational leadership, emphasizing the importance of kindness, creativity, and human connection in education. In addition to blueberries, we also discuss the challenges faced by educators, the importance of empowering others without overstepping, the impact of AI on learning, and the ne...
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    The Best of 2025

    July 2, 2025 • 29 mins
    In this reflective episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we review the highlights and key takeaways from our journey in podcasting--and make note of special moments, key quotes, great guests and key takeaways from all of the Fearless Schools 2025 episodes. Finally, we discuss the gratitude we feel towards our amazing international audience and Creative Leadership Solutions team.

    Take aways
    • Refle...
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    FS Podcast Shorts - Tony Flach

    June 23, 2025 • 16 mins
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    Surviving the Superintendency: Dr. Nikki Woodson

    June 15, 2025 • 41 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we talk to Dr. Nikki Woodson, the superintendent of the Metropolitan School District in Washington Township, Indianapolis. We discuss Dr. Woodson's journey to leadership, the challenges of the superintendency, and the importance of building a diverse and effective team. We also talk about the impact of the pandemic on education and advice for a...
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    FS Podcast Shorts - John Hattie

    June 7, 2025 • 37 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, Dr. Dru Tomlin and Dr. Ann McCarty engage in a conversation with renowned educational researcher Dr. John Hattie. In addition to exploring Hattie's origin story and his journey through education, they also discuss how failure, curiosity, an...
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    Surviving the Superintendency

    June 1, 2025 • 43 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we engage with Dr. Peter Noonan, discussing the complexities of the superintendency, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and explore the qualities necessary for effective leadership in education. Dr. Noonan shares insights on creating a leadership pipeline, the import...
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    From Pandemic Students to Post Pandemic Teachers

    May 15, 2025 • 35 mins

    In this episode of the Fearless Podcast, we engage with educators Kylie Thomas and Em Beeler, who share their unique experiences as students during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it shaped their teaching philosophies. They discuss the confusion and challenges faced during the transition to online learning, the importance of understanding students' diverse backgrounds, and the lessons learned ...

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    FS Podcast Shorts - Cindy Tomlin: A Special Mother's Day Tribute

    May 11, 2025 • 17 mins
    In this heartfelt conversation on the Fearless Schools Shorts podcast, Dr. Dru Tomlin interviews his mother, Cindy Tomlin, exploring her journey as a student, her motivations, and her career in nursing. Cindy shares her experiences growing up, the influence of her family, and the challenges she faced along the way. The discussion high...
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    Fearless Podcast Shorts: Jessyca Lucero-Flores

    May 5, 2025 • 36 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools podcast, we speak with Jessyca Lucero-Flores, educational leader and consultant. We discuss Jessica's journey in education, her experiences living and working in various countries, and the influential teachers who shaped her path. The conversation explores the importance of hands-on learning,...
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    Family & Community Engagement - FACE

    May 1, 2025 • 47 mins
    In this episode of the Fearless Schools Podcast, we engage with educational experts Dr. Nino Collado and Dr. Alex Marrero to explore the critical topic of family and community engagement (FACE) in schools. They discuss the definitions, importance, and strategies for effective engagement, emphasizing the need for intentional collaboration and empowerment. The conve...
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