Change Starts Here

Latest Episodes:

Building a PEOPLE FIRST Culture—One Tiny Moment at a Time Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

This episode explores how culture actually grows in schools, not through one big initiative, but through tiny moments that build trust, belonging, and momentum. Host Ashley Carranco talks with celebrated Keynote Speaker and Program Facilitator, Phil Boyte, about practical ways leaders can connect with people first, pace culture work across the year, and design simple rituals that make staff and students feel seen. The focus is on doable moves, relationship builders, and the mindset shift that helps teams sustain energy during the long middle of the year.

You will hear the case for starting with willing believers, celebrating small wins, and protecting leader energy through intentional habits. The aim is a campus where people want to be, where community beats isolation, and where culture and values lead the way. If you are ready to elevate connection and consistency, this episode gives you a practical path to try this month.

Download, Tiny Moments Starter Pack:

https://gl256.infusionsoft.app/app/form/2025conferenceleads

Email info@learningforliving.com or visit https://www.learningforliving.com/ for more from Phil!

Host: Ashley Carranco, Leader in Me Coach

Guest: Phil Boyte, Keynote Speaker and Program Facilitator

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:19) Culture buy in

(00:19 - 01:31) Open

(01:31 - 02:26) Student voice

(02:26 - 04:11) Preparing kids for life

(04:11 - 05:22) Tiny Moment cards

(05:22 - 07:28) Relationship builders

(07:28 - 09:18) Trust through stories

(09:18 - 12:19) What matters most

(12:19 - 14:31) The people first model

(14:31 - 18:05) Quick wins

(18:05 - 22:59) 90 second pause

(22:59 - 29:49) Staff designed culture

(29:49 - 37:49) Care for leaders

(37:49 - 38:54) Outro

Interrupting the Cycles of Stress Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

This episode invites educators to rethink how they relate to themselves in the work, treating self compassion as a practical leadership stance rather than a luxury. The lens is simple, care for the adult nervous system, and the classroom becomes steadier, more curious, and more humane. The aim is not lower expectations, it is wiser energy, clearer choices, and a climate where mistakes are part of growth, for students and adults alike.

You will leave with a compact mental model and a few resets that fit real life, short, repeatable moves that help you respond instead of react. Think of it as strengthening the conditions for teaching and learning, so purpose lasts longer, relationships feel safer, and the daily culture tilts toward learning rather than depletion.

Download the handout:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/icsh_k12

Download the Staff Booster:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/sbics_k12

Hosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:15) Show open

(00:15 - 00:29) Why stress now

(00:29 - 01:40) What self compassion is

(01:41 - 02:35) Map and load

(02:36 - 03:39) Story from class

(03:44 - 05:09) Allostatic load

(05:09 - 06:46) Push through culture

(07:28 - 08:22) Define it clearly

(08:23 - 10:45) Three parts

(11:02 - 12:08) Critic to coach

(13:21 - 15:29) Research snapshot

(18:07 - 22:38) Quick practices

(22:59 - 25:57) Ripple and close

Letting Students Lead: A Practical Path to Higher Achievement Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

Across the country, proficiency is sliding and absenteeism is climbing, yet there is a practical path that moves the needle. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham makes a case for student ownership as the missing engine behind academic improvement, engagement, and long term readiness. Dustin connects national context to daily classroom reality, then shows what ownership actually looks like, students tracking goals, reflecting on data, leading discussions, and taking the mic in conferences with families. He explains why even small shifts can spark big belief, and why strategies do not stick without a culture that invites students to lead their own learning. If you are a district leader, principal, or teacher who wants higher engagement and better results, let your students run the classroom, and see how they take off.

Host: Dustin Odham

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:24) Open and setup.

(00:24 - 01:08) The problem, proficiency and real world stakes.

(01:08 - 01:56) Why it matters, college, STEM, equity.

(01:56 - 02:25) Absenteeism scale and urgency.

(02:25 - 02:57) Paradigm shift, from academics only to ownership.

(02:57 - 03:27) Research lens, Hattie and Dweck.

(03:27 - 04:18) Culture first, strategies do not stick without it.

(04:18 - 05:10) What ownership looks like in practice.

(05:10 - 05:34) Ripple effects, attendance, engagement, academics.

(05:34 - 06:05) Beyond school, workforce and citizenship.

(06:05 - 06:44) Early adopters and encouragement.

(06:44 - 07:38) Calls to action, district, principal, teacher moves.

(07:38 - 08:05) Small shifts that spark ownership.

(08:05 - 08:32) Instruction plus empowerment, partnership mindset.

(08:32 - 09:25) Subscribe, share, and season vision.

(09:25 - 09:44) Outro.

Common Missteps on the Road to Funding Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

Funding challenges often feel like the biggest barrier in education, but with the right strategy, leaders can avoid common pitfalls and unlock new opportunities. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with FranklinCovey Education’s Director of Funding, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, to explore the three most common missteps districts face on the road to funding, and how to overcome them.

Jennifer draws on her experiences as a teacher, instructional coach, and grant writer to share practical ways schools can proactively plan for funding, build cross-functional teams, and align with funder priorities. From understanding the funding cycle to cultivating community partnerships and responsibly using AI in grant writing, she offers actionable steps every leader can take to secure sustainable resources.

Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that will help superintendents, principals, and educators reframe funding as an opportunity for growth, alignment, and long-term success.

Download the funding resource:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/csf_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 – 02:32) Introduction and Jennifer’s background

(02:33 – 07:00) First Misstep: Waiting until funding is urgently needed

(07:01 – 11:00) Building proactive calendars and funding roadmaps

(11:01 – 14:30) Second Misstep: Trying to go it alone

(14:31 – 18:59) Building a cross-functional funding team

(19:00 – 23:45) Third Misstep: Misalignment with funder priorities

(23:46 – 27:00) Understanding priorities and mapping alignment

(27:01 – 31:00) Responsible use of AI in funding applications

(31:01 – 34:59) Practical steps leaders can take this week

(35:00 – 38:23) Private vs. public funding and long-term stability

(38:24 – 41:00) The importance of relationships and connections

(41:01 – 44:30) Encouragement for leaders who feel stuck

(44:31 – 47:00) Closing thoughts and next steps

Cracking the Code on Chronic Absenteeism Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

Chronic absenteeism has become one of the biggest challenges facing schools today. Nationally, nearly one in four students misses more than 10% of the school year, an alarming increase since the pandemic. In this episode of Change Starts Here, we dig into the data, the “why” behind the trend, and most importantly, what leaders and teachers can do about it.

Through real stories from the field, including an excerpt from principal John Thompson of Republic High School, we see how focusing on belonging helped reverse a years-long decline in attendance. The episode also highlights three powerful reasons students are still missing school, because it feels optional, boring, or uninviting, and offers practical, research-based strategies to address each one.

If you are looking for actionable ways to bring students back into classrooms and create schools where every child feels motivated to attend, this conversation is for you.

Do not forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Change Starts Here.

Download the Staff Booster:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/mspswb_k12

Download the Our Handouts:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/wsasu_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Kim Yaris. M.Ed.

Timestamps:

(00:00, 00:15) Open, Show ID

(00:15, 00:49) Why Attendance Now

(00:50, 01:33) Chronic Absenteeism, Defined

(01:33, 02:08) Why It Matters

(02:08, 03:12) Hearing from John Thomspon

(03:12, 04:17) The Numbers

(04:17, 05:12) Why Rates Stay High

(05:12, 06:25) Reason 1, Optional

(06:25, 07:37) Reason 2, Boring

(07:38, 08:24) Reason 3, Uninviting

(08:49, 09:12) Solutions Start

(09:12, 10:29) Strategy 1, Irreplaceable Learning

(10:29, 11:50) Strategy 2, Make It Relevant

(11:50, 13:26) Strategy 3, Relationships and Resources

The Heart of School Transformation Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

What does it really take to build a school culture where every student can thrive? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Dr. Christi Buell, an educator driven by her passion to create meaningful learning environments that every child deserves.

Christi shares how leaders can put people before programs to strengthen school culture, engage students and staff in the process of change, and turn vision into action. She also highlights the importance of celebrating small wins—early and often—as the foundation for lasting transformation.

If you’ve ever wondered how to shift culture, foster connection, and create schools where achievement and support go hand in hand, this conversation will inspire and challenge you to see leadership through a new lens.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Change Starts Here.

Download the Our Handout below:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/lbrlh_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Connect with Dr. Buell on LinkedIn! https://www.linkedin.com/in/christi-buell-b2765716/

Host: Dustin Odham

Guest: Dr. Christi Buell (Assistant Superintendent, Teaching & Learning Arlington ISD)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 02:58) Introduction

(02:59 - 03:43) Who is Dr. Buell

(03:44 - 06:04) Transformation in Education

(06:05 - 07:44) Where Do I Start?

(07:45 - 12:49) Creating the Why

(12:50 - 16:18) Know Your Who

(16:19 - 18:30) Leadership Habits

(18:31 - 24:03) Leader In Me

(24:04 - 31:56) Opening Up

(31:57 - 37:05) Implementing Action

(37:06 - 41:18) Pride and Drive

(41:19 - 47:42) A Foundation of Sand

(47:43 - 50:25) Book Recommendations

(50:26 - 51:31) Walk Up Song

(51:32 - 52:31) A Small Group

(52:32 - 54:11) Closing

The Link Between Relationships & Learning Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

Change Starts Here: Research Conversations is back for a brand-new season! In this first episode, hosts Dr. Eve Miller Ph.D. and Kim Yaris, M.Ed explore the secret to sustaining that back-to-school energy all year long by building strong teacher-student relationships. They dive into real stories from the field, including how a kindergarten teacher transformed a crying student into a classroom leader and why seeing students through a lens of love and potential—rather than their challenges—makes all the difference.

Kim and Eve unpack the neuroscience behind why safety and connection are foundational to learning, sharing practical strategies like giving students meaningful roles, creating personal connection moments, and being intentional about building relationships with every student. They challenge educators to move beyond labels and see each student's full potential, showing that strong relationships aren't just nice to have—they're essential for opening minds to learning and creating lasting impact.

Start this new season with fresh insights on the power of human connection in education. Whether you teach kindergarten or high school, these research-backed strategies and real-world stories will help you build the relationships that transform classrooms.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Change Starts Here.

Download the Our Handout below:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/lbrlh_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Hosts: Kim Yaris, M.Ed (Associate Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education); Dr. Eve Miller (Director of Research with FranklinCovey Education)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:21) Intro

(01:22 - 05:19) The Student-Teacher Relationship

(05:20 - 07:02) Neuroscience Lens of Child's Behavior and their Needs

(07:03 - 09:26) How to Connect with Older Students

(09:27 - 12:37) Complexity of Human Relationships

(12:38 - 14:59) How to Give Love to Students

(15:00 - 15:42) Resources Available to Listeners

(15:43 - 20:03) How to Build Relationships with Students

(20:04 - 21:36) Outro

Unlocking the Genius in Every Student Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Ever worry that students might slip through the cracks, unnoticed for who they really are? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham shares a personal story about his son’s first days in middle school and the fear that he might become “just another face in the hallway.”

Through the stories of Emily, Marcus, and Jared; three students whose hidden genius is often overlooked. Dustin explores why the way we see students matters more than ever. He challenges teachers, principals, and district leaders to shift their paradigms, moving beyond test scores and labels to notice the humor, kindness, leadership, and potential in every child.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Change Starts Here.

Download the Pre-Game Paradigm Check below:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/limwehg_k12?&utm_source=facebook

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at Franklin Covey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00-00:18) Intro

(00:00-02:10) Back-to-School

(02:10-05:50) Emily, Marcus, and Jared

(05:50-07:35) Message to Teachers

(07:35-08:14) Message to Leaders

(08:14-10:15) Message to Districts

(10:15-11:51) Outro

What if You Said Yes to Less? Aug 26, 2025

Show notes

Change Starts Here is back for a brand-new season! In this first episode, host Dustin Odham dives into how the way we see the year ahead shapes our leadership, our teams, and the impact we create. He explores why real change doesn’t come from doing it all at once, but from focusing on a few meaningful actions done well.

Dustin challenges listeners to call out growth, name potential, and lead with belief—showing that mindset and intentionality are just as important as results. Start the new season with purpose, reflection, and a commitment to making this year count.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Change Starts Here.

Download the See-Do-Get Story form below:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/sdgsflim_k12

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at Franklin Covey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:28) Introduction

(00:29 - 01:59) Coming Into the Year

(02:00 - 03:45) New Year, New Ideas

(03:46 - 05:15) How Do You See Yourself?

(05:16 - 06:37) The Busy Addiction

(06:38 - 08:03) Moments of Culture

(08:04 - 10:12) Your Challenge

(10:13 - 10:50) Closing

Change Starts Within: Internal Work That Fuels External Change Jun 03, 2025

Show notes

Dustin Odom is a passionate educator, leadership development expert, and host of the "Change Starts Here" podcast, where he explores how internal transformation fuels external change in schools, communities, and organizations.

As a podcast host, Dustin has conducted compelling conversations with educational leaders across the country, from superintendents transforming school districts to chamber of commerce presidents bridging the gap between education and business. His interviews reveal the human side of leadership, showcasing how leaders are redefining what it means to see students and adults by their gifts rather than their deficits. In this episode, he reflects on the incredible season, says goodbye to the school year, and asks his listeners to reflect on themselves as we enter the summer season. Make sure to tune into this final episode of this season of Change Starts Here!

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications to ensure you don't miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at Franklin Covey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:35) Intro

(00:36 - 1:22) Journey throughout the season

(1:23 - 2:07) External change = internal work

(2:08 - 3:29) Season lookback

(3:30 - 9:47) Most influential episodes and guests

(9:48 - 10:04) Question to the audience

(10:05 - 11:36) Dustin's personal growth journey and advice

(11:37 - 12:26) Improving a leadership skill