The Interview Chair

Latest Episodes:

Episode 121: The Power of Giving Permission Mar 01, 2026

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In this episode, Jimmy sits down with his wife, Kheila Casas, to reflect on her journey and passion for education. Together, they discuss the value of giving others permission, the importance of instructional clarity, and offer insights on balancing leadership and family life with intention and purpose.

Episode 120: Reflection Is the Best Teacher Feb 22, 2026

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In this thought-provoking episode, Will Parker shares his journey as an educator and leader, emphasizing the importance of reflection, asking for help, and building strong relationships within school communities. He highlights the significance of small steps and how they can lead to significant changes in one’s life.

Episode 119: Sometimes It’s Not the Right Time Feb 17, 2026

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In this engaging conversation, Jen Schwanke, an Ohio deputy superintendent, shares her insights on the challenges and rewards of leadership in education. The discussion covers her early failures, the role of principals, the need for instructional leadership, and the significance of empowering educators to foster a supportive environment for both teachers and students.

Episode 118: That Was Not My Intention Feb 09, 2026

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In this episode, Jimmy highlights the impact of our words and actions, emphasizing the difference between intent and impact. He discusses how educators can make a profound impact on their students and colleagues by being intentional with words, particularly around the concepts of apologies and forgiveness.

Episode 117: The Negative Impact of Hustle Culture Feb 01, 2026

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In this authentic, engaging conversation, Meg Simon, a dynamic leader in education, shares her journey in the fast-paced world of education, including the challenges that often come with the immense pressure of being everything to everyone. Meg opens up about the personal hidden struggles of high-achievers and the impact of burnout. She offers valuable insights on protecting one's peace and practical strategies for prioritizing your well-being and the well-being of those around you.

Episode 116: Every Rose Has Its Thorns Jan 26, 2026

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In this episode, Jimmy introduces the "Rose and Thorn" reflection practice, highlighting how focusing on the positive experiences can help navigate challenges. He shares transformative stories of students who overcame adversity, reinforcing the message of hope and resilience in education.

Episode 115: Stuck in the Compliance Trap Jan 18, 2026

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Jimmy shares a personal experience where his approach to student behavior was rooted in a compliance mentality, focusing on punishment rather than understanding. This experience led him to realize the need for a shift from a culture of compliance to one of investment.

Episode 114: When Leadership Gets Personal Jan 11, 2026

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In this engaging conversation, Dr. Kirsten Frankovich shares how she sat in the Interview Chair as a young, strong, and confident leader and left the chair feeling broken and wondering if she was truly ready for the role. She emphasizes the importance of women leaders embracing motherhood, knowing that it makes you stronger both at home and at work, and reminds us of how we can regain our confidence when someone believes in us.

Episode 113: Recalibrating Our Collective Commitments Jan 04, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Jimmy shares an excerpt from his best-selling book, Recalibrate the Culture, and reminds us of the significance of giving all members of the school community a voice in identifying our collective commitments to one another. More importantly, he identifies two critical questions that are rarely discussed in this process, and when included, will produce a healthier school culture for everyone.

Episode 112: Enhancing Professional Learning Dec 21, 2025

Show notes

In this engaging conversation, David James shares his journey from substitute teacher to assistant principal, and back to classroom teacher, and his role in leading the Wolfpack Workshop Series professional development for staff. David also discusses his commitment to mentoring new teachers and creating a culture of learning by investing in both new and veteran educators to enhance student achievement.

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