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The Rock Star Principals Podcast

The Rock Star Principals Podcast

By: Dr. Nicholas Indeglio and Dr. Jonathan Ross
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About this listen

Since 2013, Dr. Nicholas Indeglio and Dr. Jon Ross have been giving voice to school leaders everywhere who are striving to do the hardest, most important job in America. Over the years, RSP brought listeners interviews with educational legends (Todd Whitaker, Doug Reeves, Mike Schmoker), thought leaders (Thomas Murray, Ted Dintersmith), Grammy-nominated artists, and even WWE superstars. After a few years away, the world has changed. Schools have changed. Leadership has changed. Now, more than ever, educational leadership needs the Rock Star Principals. We're back — older, wiser, and ready to take the mic again. Expect the same mix of: 🔥 Honest conversations about leadership in today's schools 🎤 Big-name guests from education, culture, and beyond 🤘 Humor, passion, and "the 11 Ps" of rock star leadership 🎶 That unique RSP energy that made the show a top download across iTunes, Libsyn, and Stitcher Because in 2025, the truth is simple: Eat. Sleep. Rock. Repeat. Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Episode 3 Volume 3: The Rock Star Principals Podcast
    Oct 17 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Rockstar Principles podcast, hosts Nick Indeglio and Jon Ross reflect on their past mistakes in educational leadership, particularly regarding technology use in schools. They discuss the implications of student cell phone use and the evolution of social media, highlighting the negative impacts on mental health. The conversation shifts to their personal experiences with health trends, specifically cold plunges and saunas, and how these practices have influenced their well-being.


    Takeaways

    Confession is important for personal growth.
    Technology in schools can lead to unexpected challenges.
    Social media has transformed from a positive tool to a source of negativity.
    Mental health issues among students are exacerbated by social media.
    The fear of missing out (FOMO) affects student focus and engagement.
    Dopamine responses to notifications can lead to addictive behaviors.
    Social media can misrepresent educational narratives.
    The impact of past social media posts can haunt individuals for years.
    Cold plunges can provide energy and inflammation relief.
    Health trends can significantly affect personal well-being.

    Chapters

    00:00 Confessions of Mistakes Made
    08:57 The Impact of Social Media
    19:43 Mental Health and Social Media's Role
    23:41 Health Trends: Cold Plunge vs. Sauna

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    34 mins
  • Volume 3 Episode 2-Rockstar Principals Podcast
    Oct 11 2025

    Summary

    In this episode of the Rockstar Principles podcast, Nick and Jon discuss the evolving landscape of education, focusing on the critical shortage of educators and its implications for school leadership. They explore the importance of nurturing future leaders in education, the portrayal of principals in pop culture, and celebrate the contributions of outstanding educators. The conversation also touches on Philadelphia sports spirit days and concludes with a review of the movie 'The Smashing Machine,' featuring Dwayne Johnson as Mark Kerr, highlighting themes of mental health and relationship dynamics.


    Takeaways:

    • The educator shortage is a pressing issue that needs addressing.
      Leadership development is crucial for the future of education.
      Pop culture often misrepresents the role of principals.
      Celebrating great educators is essential for morale.
      Spirit days can enhance school climate and community.
      Dwayne Johnson's performance in 'The Smashing Machine' was outstanding.
      The film explores complex themes of codependency and mental health.
      It's important to separate facts from fiction in education.
      The principal's role is vital for school success.
      Growing the leadership tree is necessary for sustainable education.


    Sound bites

    "It's a brave brave new world."
    "We need to grow our leadership tree."
    "Jim Orchowski is a great inspiration."


    Chapters

    00:00 Welcome Back and New Beginnings
    01:12 The Educator Shortage Crisis
    09:40 The Importance of Leadership Development
    11:10 Pop Culture and the Principal's Image
    14:02 Celebrating Great Educators
    15:24 Philadelphia Sports Spirit Day
    21:01 The Smashing Machine: A Movie Review

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    34 mins
  • Episode 1-Volume 3-Rockstar Principals Podcast
    Oct 4 2025
    In this episode of the Rockstar Principles podcast, hosts Nick Indeglio and Jon Ross discuss their return to podcasting after a hiatus, reflecting on the evolution of the medium and the importance of relationship building in education, especially post-COVID. They explore the rising popularity of trade schools as viable career paths and the impact of AI on future job markets. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, including Jon's new venture into fantasy football, highlighting the community aspect of shared interests. Takeaways:
    • The podcast landscape has changed significantly since 2013.
    • Building relationships in education became crucial during COVID.
    • Teachers have always wanted to build relationships but faced systemic barriers.
    • Post-COVID, there's a renewed focus on attendance and student engagement.
    • Trade schools are gaining traction as a viable alternative to traditional college education.
    • Many skilled trades are now considered future-proof against AI.
    • The importance of soft skills and real-life applications in education is paramount.
    • Authentic connections between teachers and students lead to better outcomes.
    • The rise of fantasy football can enhance community engagement among educators.
    • The podcast aims to address various topics, including education, technology, and personal interests.

    Chapters:

    00:00 Return to Podcasting: A New Era
    02:24 The Importance of Relationship Building in Education
    06:39 Navigating Post-COVID Challenges in Schools
    14:02 The Rise of Trade Schools and Alternative Education
    21:05 Future-Proofing Careers in the Age of AI
    29:30 Fantasy Football: A New Hobby and Community Engagement

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    31 mins
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