BIG MOOD

The season two finale is finally here! BIG MOOD goes live in this week's episode with special guests Paul Ketcham, Adam Bedel, and Ciera Belter. Live from the Batesville High School Auditorium, Paul and guests discuss how schools can become better places for ALL learners, environments for success and growth for all. If the future starts in our schools, then how are we ensuring that the future is as bright, successful, and kind as possible? There are some amazing ideas thrown out in today's episode; join the party and PRESS PLAY! 

Sarah Heppner joins me to talk about art and why it is so important in our schools. Art is not only a great way for students to express themselves, but it's actually tied to higher performance and student satisfaction. Sarah plays an integral role in our community as the Executive Director of the Batesville Area Arts Council, an organization that has donated over 1 million dollars to our six local schools since it's creation. Sarah and I are both involved in this amazing organization and love how it continues to benefit our students, so obviously we took this opportunity to brag about it.. Find out more, join the party, and PRESS PLAY! Links: Website: baacindiana.org Instagram: @baacindiana Facebook: @batesvilleareaartscouncil

My friend and fellow high school teacher Rose Lacey joins me this week to talk about empowering students, and keeping a positive attitude all year long. This episode isn't just for teachers and students, though. Rose drops some wisdom that crosses personal and professional barriers. Join us as we chat about the power of risk, making our own mistakes, and holding people to higher standards. Join the party and PRESS PLAY!

This week, I'm joined by BHS Assistant Principal Justin Tucker to hear his take on "radical kindness," a concept not typically associated with his job. Every day I see Justin perform his job with kindness and care, and I had to pick his brain about how we can all encounter the negativity in our lives with such positivity. This episode is a candid conversation about schools, people, and how to face adversity with kindness. Join the party and press PLAY!

Welcome to season two of BIG MOOD! Today's episode takes a deep dive into what it means to just show up for the people who need you. My guest, Heather Reichert, talks about how she shows up for her students every day and in every way. It's not just about being physically present; it's also mental and emotional, and requires a huge amount of empathy. Heather has some brilliant approaches to building relationships and sheds light on what the next generation needs from us. Join the BIG MOOD party and press play!

Whaaaat?! Season two?!? That's a BIG mood! Generation Z continues to amaze me in their approach to the issues that face them today. This season, I want to take you into the minds of adults who spend hours everyday with gen z-ers, and give you a glimpse at what WE think the future could and should look like. So, I'm introducing you to some of my friends, coworkers, and even my bosses to see what they have to say about the future. Season 2 Episode 1 drops March 21st. Subscribe here to be notified. In the mean time, be sure to catch up on season one anywhere you podcast. Cover art: @madimaker

The entire BIG MOOD fam (Paul + 10 guests) got together to record a short reading of "a Christmas Carol!" How cool is that! The group wanted to bring a special holiday treat to your ears, and whether you've been naughty or nice, this is for everyone to enjoy! Join the party and press PLAY!

WOW- it's the season FINALE! In this episode Cami joins me in a candid conversation about our experiences being queer, both good and bad. We talk community, coming out, being proud, and how anyone can be an ally. This episode was challenging for both of us as it required a deeper level of vulnerability, but both of us are very excited to share this conversation. Join the party and PRESS PLAY!

Have you studied abroad? Have you ever wanted to? Ola joins me this week to talk about why she chose to study abroad, and what she likes (and thinks is weird) about America! We discuss the benefits of leaving home, the differences between German and American culture, and how studying abroad works. Join the party and PRESS PLAY!

Chloe joins me this week to talk all things SPACE. We chat aliens, why we need more girls in S.T.E.M., space trash, and of course the Magic School Bus. Chloe's passion for space is endearing and contagious and I can't wait for you to hear it straight from her. Join the party and press PLAY!

What's up! Episode 7 finds Lain and I sitting down to talk mental health. More specifically, Aspergers and ADHD. I am so proud of Lain for this candid and educational conversation. In this chat Lain tackles what it's like to go through high school with a learning disability, the stereotypes he wishes would go away, and why he loves his friends so much. Join the party and press play!

Welcome to the first ever BIG MOOD MINISODE! Eli's back, and for this minisode we're talking about Mythology and the story of Theseus (he basically grows up completely normal and then one day becomes a serial killer. Yikes). We both LOVE Mythology, especially laughing at how ridiculous the stories can be. I'm also sharing some exciting news with you that I just couldn't keep in any longer. Enjoy!

WOWOWOW. You guys, we’re over the halfway point. Eli is my guest this episode and he is here to talk about what it means to have faith and how his faith has changed his life. Eli has an amazing story to share and I’m so honored that he chose to share it on the podcast. Whether you consider yourself a person of faith, are questioning, or are tired of it all, this episode is for you. Join the party and press PLAY!

Welcome baaacckkk! Here is part TWO of the political episode. Carrie and I wrap up our discussion about what it means to unlearn our biases, what Generation Z has strong opinions about, and how we have hope for the future of empathy. Also, there is some ASMR water gurgling. I'm so sorry. Enjoy!

You know what’s crazy? Politics. That’s why Episode 5 is a TWO-PARTER. This week (and next, lol) Carrie and I discuss what it means to unlearn biases and explore how we can overcome our own. There are a few “yikes” moments in this episode but, guess what, we made it and we’re all the better for it. THE POLITICAL EPISODE tackles something that many young people feel they don’t have a voice in: politics. So buckle up, get off your high horse (or donkey, or elephant), and gear up for what politics look like in high school. *gulp*. Also, for some reason there is a heinous amount of ASMR. Pobody’s Nerfect.

Hey BIG MOOD fam! Alli joins me today to talk about the super important topic of EDUCATION. Alli is passionate about not only learning herself, but also helping others learn too. Alli wants to see others succeed and is going into the field of education to be a part of that journey. In this episode Alli and I discuss what high school is like these days, the problems we see in it, and how we think it can get better. We also talk about our favorite useless facts that are taking up valuable space in our brains (no wonder I don’t remember geometry- I know how long an elephant’s pregnancy lasts!). Join the party and PRESS PLAY!

Hey everybody! Chelsie joins me on today's episode to tackle the insanely huge topic of social media. We talk about the good, the bad, and the VERY ugly of living a life online, and the benefits of stepping away all together (for a bit, at least). We also discuss what it means to serve others and how a donut can change someones outlook on life. Chelsie rocked my world with some of the incredible advice she dropped and I'm SO excited for you to hear this episode. Go press play! I would love it if you gave us some stars and a review on iTunes. Join the BIG MOOD party! EPISODE LINKS: https://www.dressember.org/

“We’re kids. We don’t deserve this.” Welcome to Episode Two. We made it! Episode Two is a sit down with Brice about why he’s passionate about making schools safer. Brice started a company called SAFESS, (https://bricekeeton12.wixsite.com/safess) and has built community partnerships in order to look at how we can be safer in the places we go every day. However, it hasn’t been easy. In today’s episode Brice shares with me the frustration he’s felt in school culture and how his age affects his efforts. This is a powerful, sometimes dark episode, and contains content related to school shootings. I’m so excited for you to hear what Brice has to say, and what it is that leaves him speechless. It’s so important. I’d love it if you left a review on iTunes and shared with a friend!

Welcome to the first episode of BIG MOOD! Jennifer joins me for a discussion about what high school is like these days, how we see Generation Z showing passion, our favorite memes, and what BIG MOOD actually means. My favorite quote of the episode is: “If you decide not to show up and support me, that’s fine. I’ll still show up to support YOU.”

HEY- welcome to BIG MOOD, a podcast about teenagers, for everybody. Each month I will interview two students with powerful voices and impactful stories. Generation Z is unlike any before them, and they've got some BIG things to share with the world. The youth will win- will you be a part of their journey?