Messy Business

Episoade

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  Regulating Ourselves to Better Support Others (Ep. 41) 29.07.2026 26min

  We chat with Dr. Maribeth Rossini, pediatric neuropsychologist, about managing stress, strengthening families, and her work helping students with dyslexia. Learn more about Dr. Rossini's practice here. Plus, we're excited to debut the Messy Business Fast Five, our new segment where we ask every guest five fun, thought-provoking questions.
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  The Process Improvement Mindset (Ep. 40) 24.07.2026 11min

  We're laughing about our ADHD quirks and embracing one of our favorite phrases: process improvement. Instead of placing blame on a person when something doesn't go as planned, we ask, How can we improve the process? It's a mindset that keeps conversations productive, encourages continual growth, and helps us move forward together.
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  Passing the Baton: Leading Through Transition (Ep. 39) 26.06.2026 22min

  Transitions are part of life. We reflect on changes happening in their own lives and share five practical ways to pass the baton well. This conversation is full of reflection, encouragement and actionable ideas for anyone navigating a new beginning.
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  I Am Not: Owning What We’re Not Good At (Ep. 38) 26.04.2026 16min

  We are not good at everything. We’re owning our weaknesses, laughing at our preferences, and embracing the things we’d rather not do (or simply can’t). Because here’s the truth - we need each other. When you know your strengths and surround yourself with people who fill in the gaps, life just works better.
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  Stronger Together with Dr. Matthew X. Joseph (Ep. 37) 19.04.2026 36min

  A mystery Amazon delivery, a first job story, and a nationwide educator network—this episode has it all with Dr. Matthew X. Joseph.We explore the power of collaboration through real stories, honest moments, and a few laughs along the way. The XFactor EDU network is inspiring community of educators committed to supporting one another and making a lasting difference. https://xfactoredu.org/
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  McKinney-Vento Explained: Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (Ep. 36) 22.02.2026 28min

  Heather Britton of the DuPage ROE joins us to break down the McKinney-Vento Act and what it requires of school districts. This conversation offers clear, practical steps to ensure compliance with federal and state law — while keeping students and families at the center of the work.
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  Unsupervised Leadership with Courtney Orzel and Kate Koch (Ep. 35) 12.02.2026 41min

  The ultimate crossover event of the season!✨Unsupervised Leadership meets Messy Business in a fun and fabulous episode you didn’t know you needed. Dr. Courtney Orzel and Dr. Kate Koch bring the real talk, big laughs, and the kind of leadership lessons that only come from beautifully messy moments. You won’t want to miss this one!
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  Medicaid Advocacy and Disability Rights with Attorney Nicole Jorwic (Ep. 24) 01.02.2026 34min

  Nicole Jorwic, an attorney and national policy expert advocates at the national level for people with disabilities and caregivers. Nicole breaks down key Medicaid issues, highlights bipartisan efforts creating real progress, and shares her unique experience working in Hollywood, including collaborating with writers from This Is Us to ensure authentic disability and caregiving representation. This episode offers hopeful insight into how policy and advocacy can drive meaningful change.
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  Supporting Multilingual Learners in Schools with Carly Spina (Ep. 33) 10.01.2026 26min

  Multilingual education expert Carly Spina to explores her powerful new book, Igniting Real Change for Multilingual Learners: Equity and Advocacy in Action (2025). Carly brings experience as an EL teacher, bilingual classroom educator, and district-wide instructional coach to a conversation about equity, advocacy, and actionable strategies that go beyond theory to transform classrooms and systems.
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  Fighting Food Insecurity with Northern Illinois Food Bank CEO Julie Yurko (Ep. 32) 15.11.2025 27min

  We talk with Julie Yurko, President & CEO of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. Learn about this incredible organization, the power of innovation and their partnerships with Walmart, DoorDash & Chick-fil-A. "Neighbors helping neighbors” with dignity & love truly embodies their approach. Access food, volunteer or donate today at https://solvehungertoday.org/how-to-help/volunteer/
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  Preschool Animal Encounters: Crazy Classroom Survival Stories (Ep. 31) 05.11.2025 20min

  In this episode, we relive the unforgettable day an unexpected visitor wandered into a classroom. Hear about the quick-thinking teachers who helped save the day — and a few other chaotic and memorable stories of animal encounters in schools.Because sometimes the wildest lessons don’t come from the lesson plan — they just come right in.
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  Early Childhood Principals Play: I Plead the 5th - Round 2 (Ep. 30) 22.10.2025 22min

  We’re bringing back one of your favorite episodes—and this time, we're the ones in the hot seat. 🔥In this special round of I Plead the 5th, we turn the questions on each other to see just how alike (or totally opposite) we really are. It's all fair game... unless we decide to plead the 5th.
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  Denim in Schools: Dress Code Debate One Year Later (Ep. 29) 02.10.2025 8min

  Remember Episode #5 OOTD? In our most listened-to episode ever we dove into the controversial topic of denim in schools, and wow, did it spark a reaction. One year later, we’re back to revisit the debate.Has anything changed? Are jeans still dividing hallways and faculty rooms? We share updated thoughts on dress codes and professional attire in education.Whether you were Team Denim or firmly against it, this episode is packed with reflection and fresh perspectives.Tune in – and bring your opinions!
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  Bilingual Early Childhood Music and Art Education with Mi Amigo Hamlet & Alina Celeste (Ep. 28) 20.09.2025 24min

  Get ready to laugh, learn, and be totally inspired by Mi Amigo Hamlet & Alina Celeste! Learn about their personal and professional journey driven by creativity, music, art, and bilingual education. 🎨🎶 Book them for your next professional development or family event! https://gocreativeprograms.com/new-page
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  School Safety and AI-Powered Threat Detection with ZeroNow Founder Ara Bagdasarian (Ep. 27) 05.09.2025 26min

  From AI-powered threat detection to real-time alert systems, this conversation dives deep into the tools that can help prevent violence before it starts. But it’s not just about the tech — it’s about communities, educators, and innovators working together toward one urgent goal: ending school violence.
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  School Year Prep for Preschool Principals: Sharpened Crayons and Big Plans (Ep. 26) 16.08.2025 15min

  Literal blood and sweat to start the year, but no tears…yet. We share what has us excited and why we're still smiling. We celebrate incredible people around us that remind us why this work matters. It's a fresh start, and we're here for it.
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  MTSS in Early Childhood: Strong Tiered Supports with Principal Heather Santiemmo (Ep. 25) 01.08.2025 25min

  We interview our good friend & colleague, Heather Santiemmo from Carol Stream D93, a passionate EC principal and leader in inclusive practices. She shares her leadership journey and practical ideas for strong MTSS frameworks and inclusive programs that support young learners. Inspiring, real, and full of takeaways.
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  Preschool Leadership Summer Recap and Season 2 Sneak Peek (Ep. 24) 13.07.2025 19min

  We share favorite summer highlights and a sneak peek at what’s coming this season — including some amazing guests you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re still soaking up summer or already eyeing your planner, we’ve got something for you. Let’s ease back in together — with laughs, updates, and a lot to look forward to in the new school year!
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  From Principal to Author: Erin's First Book in Early Childhood Education (Ep. 23) 12.04.2025 8min

  In this episode, Erin shares her journey writing and publishing her first children's book titled I'll Always Love You No Matter What. She shares the inspiration behind the story, the creative process, and what it means to finally see her words come to life.A beautiful story for every child’s bookshelf—perfect for classrooms, home or a heartfelt gift for birthdays, Easter baskets and baby showers.Available in English & Spanish on Amazon.
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  Early Childhood March Madness: Updates and Season 2 Preview (Ep. 22) 23.03.2025 11min

  We're diving into real-talk for principals in March! From recent events to upcoming projects, we’re sharing everything you need to know about what’s been going on and some sneak previews for Season 2 of Messy Business!Check out our blog posts!Process Improvement Blog Post with EduMatchIn the Mom Era Blog Post with EduMatch