Episode 44 - Neal Foard: Kindness as Narrative

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Education Matters Podcast

Jason Buccheri

45 episodes

1 week ago

"Education Matters" explores how education shapes society, democracy, and the future. Through insightful conversations with educators, administrators, technology leaders, scientists, and philosophers, this podcast explores the challenges, successes, and evolving landscape of learning. From inspiring people to fascinating ideas, we delve into how education shapes lives and communities. Whether you're an educator or simply curious about its impact, join us to uncover why education truly matters.

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Episode 44 - Neal Foard: Kindness as Narrative

Education Matters Podcast

1 hour 12 minutes 51 seconds

1 month ago

Episode 44 - Neal Foard: Kindness as Narrative

In this week’s episode of Education Matters, storyteller and advertising veteran Neal Foard explores story-first leadership—how small, consistent acts of care shape culture faster than any memo. Drawing on a Bay Area upbringing and a career helping brands explain ideas clearly, Neal shows how leaders can use stories to set tone, build trust, and make values visible in daily routines. He contrasts classroom joy with test obsession, unpacks “love-letter” messaging that helps people feel seen, and makes the case for arts and performance as courage builders. Practical takeaways include prompts for staff meetings, ways to reinforce fairness, and habits that strengthen belonging.

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About: Each week, we bring you candid and personal interviews with educators and edtech leaders.

New episodes: Every Tuesday & Thursday—don’t miss next week’s conversation!

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Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Opening: Kindness as Daily Practice[00:00:49] Guest Introduction: Neal Foard[00:03:00] Where Is Neal Today[00:03:29] Bay Area Upbringing[00:04:26] Context of the Late 60s[00:06:54] School Then vs. Now[00:07:59] Earliest Memory: Reading & Puppets[00:08:48] Spanish at Five & Language Affinity[00:09:29] Free-Range Childhood Adventures[00:10:54] Hare Krishna Parade Memory[00:13:07] Shift to Helicopter Parenting[00:14:42] Early Love of History[00:18:43] Family Storytellers & SNL Reenactments[00:19:59] Punk Band & the Performance Bug[00:20:50] College Plays for Courage[00:23:13] Showbiz Light: Explaining Ideas[00:26:28] ‘Torches to Be Lit’ & Ad Fat[00:27:36] Accidental Entry into Advertising[00:31:16] Lessons: Initiative & Partners[00:33:04] Human Nature in Ads[00:34:38] Love-Letter Advertising[00:47:24] Pocket Acts of Kindness[00:49:33] Leaders Set Tone with Stories[00:51:50] Tire Shop Parable: Two Stories[00:57:16] Media Diet for Students[00:58:16] Advice to Young Men[01:04:53] If I Ran Schools[01:07:58] Media Recommendations[01:11:25] Closing & Land Acknowledgement