Podcast Episodes

Episode 219: Leading with Intention and Heart: A Conversation with Terita Walker (NASSP HS POY Finalist)

Season 1 Episode 219

In this fourth installment of our special NASSP Principal of the Year series, Darrin sits down with Terita Walker, principal of Denver East High School and one of three finalists for NASSP’s 2025 Nat…

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Episode 218: What’s in Your Can? Leadership Lessons from Alaska with Sherilynn Boehlert (NASSP MS POY Finalist)

Season 1 Episode 218

In this third episode of our NASSP National Principal of the Year Finalist series, we head to Ketchikan, Alaska, where Sherilynn Boehlert serves as the principal of Schoenbar Middle School. Sheri sha…

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Episode 217: Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall

Season 1 Episode 217

Episode Summary:

Teacher evaluation has long been a source of frustration—for both educators and administrators. In this episode of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast, I sit down with Craig Randall, …

Published on 3 months, 2 weeks ago

Episode 216: Culture, Collaboration, and Buffalo Chicken Dip: A Conversation with Tony Cattani (NASSP HS POY Finalist)

Season 1 Episode 216

In this inspiring episode of Leaning Into Leadership, we continue our NASSP National Principal of the Year series with Tony Cattani, a finalist for the 2025–2026 National High School Principal of the…

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Episode 215: So What, Now What – A Conversation with Dr. Damon Lewis (NASSP MS POY Finalist)

Season 1 Episode 215

In this powerful kickoff to our NASSP Principal of the Year finalist series, Dr. Damon Lewis of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk, CT shares his incredible leadership journey—from paraeducator to …

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Episode 214: The Science of Kindness with Dr. Chris Culver

Season 1 Episode 214

In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Chris Culver brings the energy, insight, and authenticity that’s made him a rising national voice in school leadership and culture. A former principal …

Published on 3 months, 3 weeks ago

Episode 213: Culture Starts with Who You Hire: Insights from Todd Nesloney

Season 1 Episode 213

In this episode, Darrin sits down with longtime education leader and author Todd Nesloney for a powerful conversation on leadership, culture, and hiring. Todd shares his journey from instructional ai…

Published on 4 months ago

Episode 212: Strategic Planning with Dr. Frederick Buskey

Season 1 Episode 212

In this special joint episode of Leaning Into Leadership and The Assistant Principal Podcast, Dr. Darrin Peppard teams up with Dr. Frederick Buskey to explore how school leaders can take a more strat…

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago

Episode 211: Cracking the Code on Educator Retention with Nate Eklund

Season 1 Episode 211

What if the real cause of educator burnout isn’t a lack of resilience or self-care—but the workplace itself?

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, Darrin is joined by longtime friend and nat…

Published on 4 months, 1 week ago

Episode 210: Schools That Give an F: Clarity, Culture, and Contribution with Rob MacLeod

Season 1 Episode 210

Episode 210 – Schools That Give an F: Clarity, Culture, and Contribution with Rob McLeod

In this episode, Darrin is joined by international educator and podcast host Rob McLeod to explore a critical l…

Published on 4 months, 2 weeks ago