It’s a milestone moment! In this very special 100th episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat reflects on two years of podcasting, over 22,000 downloads, and the incredible community of music educators that made it all possible.

This episode is more than a celebration—it’s a recommitment to the mission of helping band directors amplify their impact, not their workload. Lesley shares the story behind starting the podcast in May 2023, what she’s learned from 100 powerful conversations, and how her background in teaching, AI tools, and sustainable systems fuels the work she does today.

You’ll hear about the upcoming release of her next book, The Balanced Band Director, as well as exciting new resources like Band Director Buddy GPTs and Get Sh*t Done sessions to help you save time and energy while doing your best work.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

🎉 Why this podcast was created (and how it’s grown into a movement)

📚 A sneak peek at Lesley’s upcoming book and what makes it different

💡 How AI is transforming how directors manage their programs

🧠 The mindset shift every busy teacher needs

🎺 Heartfelt gratitude to the guests, listeners, and mentors who made this milestone possible

This episode is packed with personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a powerful invitation to be part of what’s next. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just found us, thank you for being part of this journey. You are the reason it matters.

Resources & Links:

• Band Director Buddy GPT Tools
• Join the mPowered Music Educator Academy
• Kennelly Keys Music – Proud Platinum Sponsor

In this heartfelt and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by Jeanette Mihalchik, host of The Happy Music Teacher podcast and YouTube channel. Jeanette shares her journey from total overwhelm and burnout—sitting on the classroom floor wondering if she could keep going—to becoming a thriving, joy-filled educator committed to helping others rediscover their spark.

Together, Lesley and Jeanette explore:

• The realities of entering teaching through the “back door” and learning on the fly
• What to do when the job feels unsustainable—even if you love the kids
• Why movement, brain breaks, and student-led moments make a difference
• How mindset shifts and small pivots can turn exhaustion into engagement
• Concrete strategies for making teaching feel easier and more joyful at any grade level

You’ll leave this episode with renewed hope and a few easy-to-implement tools to bring more energy, balance, and student connection into your classroom.

Learn more about Jeanette’s resources and sign up for her free weekly “Happy Highlights” at thehappymusicteacher.com/lesson-plan-sampler

Her website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15mAFiMcPk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappymusicteacher/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehappymusicteacher?

In this revealing episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat welcomes Megan Cooney, Director of Athletic Bands at Rowan University, to share the behind-the-scenes reality of starting a collegiate band program from scratch. From budgeting to branding to building leadership, Megan walks us through the surprising and often overlooked responsibilities of life as a college band director.

You’ll learn:

• Why collegiate band directors operate more like small business owners than conductors
• The difference between high school and college support systems (no band boosters!)
• The logistical demands of designing uniforms, managing million-dollar budgets, and insuring equipment
• How student leadership becomes essential—and why she pays her leaders
• Why game day is a 14-hour marathon that requires hydration planning, mental prep, and physical stamina
• The call for collaboration: Megan invites other collegiate directors to help create resources for those entering this unique career path

If you're curious about the college track—or helping others succeed in it—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and a passionate call to support the next generation of music educators.