• 2P97: Balancing Work and Life in a Digital Age
    Oct 16 2024

    In this episode, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost discuss strategies for achieving a work-life balance in educational leadership. As both are school principals, they delve into personal stories reflecting past stress and burnout due to the demanding nature of their roles. They present practical tips like setting boundaries, leveraging technology, and creating a supportive network while emphasizing self-care practices and mindfulness. The episode also highlights the importance of prioritizing mental health and personal time to enhance not only their effectiveness as leaders but also to inspire their staff and students. The conversation touches upon the evolving methods to manage work stress and maintain a healthy work-life blend in a digitally connected world.

    00:00 Introduction and Raising the Frequency

    00:19 Welcoming the Audience

    01:01 About the 2Principals

    02:23 Merchandise and Wikipedia

    03:31 Song of the Day

    05:03 Random Question Segment

    10:28 Work-Life Balance Discussion

    19:35 Eye-Opening Statistics on Educator Burnout

    20:06 The Struggle to Disconnect After Work

    20:49 Health Issues and Burnout Among Principals

    21:57 The Impact of Burnout on School Communities

    24:41 Barriers to Achieving Work-Life Balance

    24:50 The Overwhelming Influx of Emails

    28:15 The Pressure to Be Involved in Every Aspect

    30:59 Strategies for Better Work-Life Balance

    37:12 Prioritizing Tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix

    39:03 Scheduling Self-Care Blocks

    40:19 Creating a Support Network

    42:30 Weekly Challenge: Setting Boundaries

    43:14 Mental Health Minute: Nurturing Emotional Resilience

    43:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

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    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show! ----more----

    All statements made on the 2Principals Podcast represent the personal views and opinions of Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost. These statements are made solely by the individuals in their personal capacities and are not made on behalf of, nor are they affiliated with, their respective employers.

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    47 mins
  • 2P96: October Check-In with MASSP Director Bob Driver
    Oct 9 2024
    In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason and Kevin welcome back Bob Driver, Executive Director of the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP), to discuss a variety of topics relevant to school principals. They explore the importance of mental health resources, professional development opportunities, and leveraging AI as a tool for educational leaders. Bob shares insights on MASSP's benefits, membership statistics, and the historical context of the organization, now celebrating its 100th anniversary. The conversation covers the significance of attending divisional meetings, legal workshops, and national advocacy efforts. The episode also highlights student leadership opportunities and upcoming events like the MASSP winter and summer conferences. Bob encourages principals to engage with MASSP to maximize the available resources and support for educational leaders in Minnesota. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back 01:24 Random Question Segment 02:19 Mental Health and Professional Development 04:28 Overview of MASSP and Key Highlights 06:54 Benefits of MASSP Membership 12:40 Mental Health Tips for Principals 19:35 Legal Workshops and Policies 22:05 Cell Phone Policies in Schools 26:07 Additional Resources and Winter Conference 28:35 Encouraging Peer Presentations 28:49 Exciting Pre-Conference Sessions 29:17 Keynote Speakers Announcement 30:01 Celebrating 100 Years of MASSP 31:41 Reflecting on 1925 Challenges 37:28 AI in Education: Embracing the Future 39:57 Spring Initiatives and Legislative Engagement 43:35 National and State-Level Advocacy 45:18 Summer Conference and Student Leadership 50:39 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

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    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show! ----more----

    All statements made on the 2Principals Podcast represent the personal views and opinions of Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost. These statements are made solely by the individuals in their personal capacities and are not made on behalf of, nor are they affiliated with, their respective employers.

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    57 mins
  • 2P95: Becoming the Change with Dan Wolfe
    Oct 2 2024

    In this inspiring episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost sit down with Dan Wolfe, an elementary principal, author, and advocate for social-emotional learning. Dan shares his personal journey that led to writing his book, "Becoming the Change: 5 Essential Elements to Being Your Best Self." The conversation delves into the importance of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making in both personal and professional growth.

    Dan discusses how these five elements form the core of one's moral compass and provides insights on applying them in everyday life, particularly in educational leadership. He emphasizes the significance of vulnerability, servant leadership, and building strong relationships within school communities. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by educators and administrators, offering practical advice on overcoming obstacles and creating positive school cultures.

    Throughout the discussion, Dan shares valuable resources for personal development, including book recommendations and podcast suggestions. He highlights the importance of continuous self-reflection and the power of positivity in making a lasting impact on others. The conversation concludes with Dan's inspiring message about leaving a meaningful legacy and the importance of being vulnerable and authentic as leaders.

    Listeners will come away with practical strategies for personal growth, leadership development, and fostering positive change in their professional and personal lives. This episode serves as a reminder of the transformative power of self-awareness and the ripple effect of positive actions in creating a better world.

    Where you can find Dan:

    Instagram

    X

    Linkedin

    Website

    Becoming the Change: 5 Essential Elements

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

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    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show!

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    49 mins
  • 2P94: Tuning Into Your Body's Wisdom with Dr. Kimbi
    Sep 25 2024

    In this enlightening episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost sit down with Dr. Kimbi, a board-certified family nurse practitioner and behavioral health specialist. Dr. Kimbi shares her fascinating journey from vocal performance to psychology and nursing, emphasizing the importance of treating the whole person - body, mind, and spirit. The conversation delves deep into the pervasive issue of burnout culture, particularly in healthcare and education, and its profound impact on physical and mental well-being.

    Dr. Kimbi breaks down the three dimensions of burnout as defined by the World Health Organization: exhaustion, depersonalization, and diminished sense of achievement. She stresses the critical importance of setting healthy boundaries and recognizing personal limits as crucial steps in preventing burnout. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Kimbi emphasizes the body's innate wisdom, encouraging listeners to tune into their bodies' signals rather than ignore or pathologize symptoms.

    The power of breath work is highlighted as a simple yet effective tool for managing stress and anxiety in daily life. Dr. Kimbi examines stress from both biological and psychological perspectives, explaining how chronic stress impacts the body's systems. She shares practical stress management techniques for educators and leaders, including mindfulness practices that can be easily incorporated into the workday.

    The episode concludes with Dr. Kimbi's powerful message: "You are not broken." She encourages listeners to embrace their body's messages as valuable information rather than viewing them as problems to be fixed. For those interested in connecting with Dr. Kimbi, she can be reached through HealthWise Behavioral Health and Wellness and The Wellness Loft in Charleston, South Carolina.

    Where you can find Dr. Kimbi:

    • Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness
    • Wellness Loft

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

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    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show!

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    59 mins
  • 2P93: Healthy Work Habits for School Leaders
    Sep 18 2024

    In this enlightening episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost dive into the crucial topic of cultivating healthy work habits for sustainable leadership in education. They discuss the challenges faced by school principals, including overwhelming workloads, time constraints, and feelings of isolation. Drawing from their own experiences and industry research, Jason and Kevin offer practical strategies for maintaining work-life balance and prioritizing personal well-being.

    The hosts explore the importance of setting clear boundaries, delegating responsibilities, and connecting with peers to combat professional isolation. They emphasize the value of reflection and mindfulness practices in managing stress and improving focus. Jason and Kevin share personal anecdotes about implementing these strategies in their own lives, such as setting email boundaries and scheduling brief walking breaks during the workday.

    Throughout the episode, the hosts remind listeners that developing healthy work habits is an ongoing journey rather than a destination. They encourage educators to make small, intentional choices daily that lead to lasting positive changes. The episode concludes with a weekly challenge for listeners to identify one unhealthy work habit and replace it with a healthier alternative.

    Jason and Kevin also introduce a "2P Mental Health Minute," highlighting the importance of daily mindfulness practices and seeking support when feeling overwhelmed. They stress that sustainable leadership begins with self-care and that prioritizing personal well-being ultimately benefits the entire school community. This episode serves as an inspiring call to action for educators to lead with purpose, passion, and a commitment to their own health and wellness.

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

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    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show!

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    47 mins
  • 2P92: Just Breath . . . Battling Burnout
    Sep 11 2024

    In this insightful episode of the 2Principals Podcast, hosts Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost tackle the critical issue of burnout in school leadership. Drawing from their personal experiences and industry statistics, they highlight the prevalence of burnout among principals, with nearly 60% feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities and many working over 60 hours per week. The hosts discuss various barriers to maintaining work-life balance, including the culture of overwork in education, lack of time, and feelings of isolation.

    Jason and Kevin share practical strategies for combating burnout, emphasizing the importance of setting clear boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and building a strong support network. They advocate for incorporating mindfulness practices, engaging in professional development, and celebrating both small and large successes. The hosts stress the significance of regular self-check-ins and fostering a supportive environment within schools.

    The episode concludes with a weekly challenge for listeners to identify one area in their lives where they can set a boundary. Listeners are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #2PChallenge. The hosts also introduce a "Mental Health Minute," reminding listeners to prioritize their mental well-being and reach out for help when needed. This episode serves as a valuable resource for school leaders seeking to maintain their passion and effectiveness while avoiding the pitfalls of burnout in the demanding world of education.

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

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    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show!

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    45 mins
  • 2P91: Scaling Leadership Mountains . . .Crafting Realistic Goals for Principal Success
    Sep 4 2024

    In this episode of the 2Principals Podcast, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost dive into the crucial topic of setting realistic personal goals for effective leadership in the principalship. They discuss the importance of goal-setting as a fundamental practice that shapes a principal's effectiveness and impacts student and staff outcomes. The hosts share personal experiences from their early years as principals, highlighting the pitfalls of setting overly ambitious or numerous goals. They present eye-opening statistics about principal overwhelm and the positive impact of clear, achievable goals on student performance. The duo explores common barriers to effective goal-setting, including time management challenges, fear of failure, lack of support, and information overload. They offer practical strategies to overcome these obstacles, such as using SMART goals, prioritizing key objectives, seeking support, reflecting and adjusting, celebrating small wins, and establishing goal-setting routines. The episode concludes with a weekly challenge for listeners to set one realistic personal goal and reflect on their progress. Jason and Kevin emphasize that goal-setting should reduce stress, not add to it, and remind principals to prioritize their mental health in the process. This episode provides valuable insights for both new and experienced school leaders looking to enhance their goal-setting practices and leadership effectiveness.----more----

    2Principal Partner:

    Healthwise Behavioral Health & Wellness

    We want to take a moment to communicate our most sincere gratitude for our supportive sponsor Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness. This organization has believed in the 2Principals from the start and we couldn’t be more thankful. If you are looking for an organization that has a philosophy of considering the whole-person with comprehensive services that are rooted in evidence-based science while at the same time understanding the inter-connectedness of the mind, body, and experience, then look no further than Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness.

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

    ----more----

    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show!

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    33 mins
  • 2P90: Mindset Metamorphosis . . . Crafting an Unshakeable Leadership Foundation
    Aug 28 2024

    In this episode, Jason Paurus and Kevin Jost dive deep into the critical topic of building a strong leadership mindset for school principals. They explore the importance of cultivating resilience and positivity, citing studies that show principals with a robust mindset are more effective in navigating crises and experience lower burnout rates. The duo discusses four major barriers to developing this mindset: lack of time, feeling isolated, imposter syndrome, and lack of prioritization. They then offer practical strategies to overcome these obstacles, including making mindset development a consistent habit, building a supportive network, embracing a growth mindset, and implementing structured feedback loops. Jason and Kevin emphasize the power of prioritizing self-care and adopting an abundance mentality. Throughout the episode, they share personal experiences and insights, providing listeners with actionable advice to strengthen their leadership mindset and lead their schools more effectively. This episode is a must-listen for any educational leader looking to elevate their mental game and achieve remarkable results.

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    2Principal Partner:

    Healthwise Behavioral Health & Wellness

    We want to take a moment to communicate our most sincere gratitude for our supportive sponsor Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness. This organization has believed in the 2Principals from the start and we couldn’t be more thankful. If you are looking for an organization that has a philosophy of considering the whole-person with comprehensive services that are rooted in evidence-based science while at the same time understanding the inter-connectedness of the mind, body, and experience, then look no further than Healthwise Behavioral Health and Wellness.

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    Where you can find us:

    • 2principals.com
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube

    ----more----

    Email us at 2principalspodcast@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments for us. We would love to answer your questions on the show!

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    36 mins