Catholic School Leaders Podcast
Host: John Mihalyo
In this solo episode, John talks about something every Catholic school leader knows well—the joy and energy leading up to Christmas… followed by the dreaded return in early January. With enrollment season approaching and Catholic Schools Week right around the corner, John shares practical ways to keep your school community motivated, positive, and focused once everyone comes back.
In This Episode
Resources & Links
Episode Title: Building A.I. Literacy in Our Catholic Schools
Host: John Mihalyo • Guest: Chelsea Lopez (The Social Institute)
Overview:
AI is here to stay—and your school can use it without losing the human touch. John and Chelsea unpack what AI really is, where it already shows up, and practical ways leaders can use it to save time, personalize learning, and strengthen culture.
Key Takeaways:
Resources:
Connect & Next Steps:
Episode Title: The Mastermind Advantage for Your School Leadership!
In this short episode, John shares why Catholic school leaders don’t have to lead alone. Drawing on his own experience as a principal, he recalls the many times he wished for someone else to bounce ideas off of. That’s exactly why he created the Catholic School Mastermind cohorts at Elementary Advancement Solutions.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
These cohorts meet twice a month for one hour, giving you the chance to share ideas, troubleshoot challenges, celebrate successes, and grow in leadership alongside other Catholic school leaders across the country.
Resources & Next Steps
Episode Title: Creating Memories Through Catholic School Traditions
Show Notes:
Welcome back to another short but impactful episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast. In this episode, John Mihalyo reflects on the power of school traditions and how they shape culture, community, and memories that last a lifetime.
Drawing on his own story of working at an amphitheater—where fans always expected to hear the most beloved songs—John compares those expectations to the cherished traditions within Catholic schools. Just like a concert wouldn’t feel the same without the classics, our schools wouldn’t feel complete without those meaningful traditions that students, parents, and alumni look forward to year after year.
From senior sunrise and sunset ceremonies to long-standing celebrations unique to each community, traditions build excitement, strengthen culture, and give families something to anticipate and remember. John also reminds leaders to distinguish between traditions worth celebrating and practices that exist only because “that’s the way we’ve always done it.”
Key Takeaways:
Call to Action:
If you’d like to talk about how to strengthen culture, enrollment, and advancement at your Catholic school, schedule a time with John here.
Free Workshop: The Pillars of Enrollment Growth
Episode Overview
In this episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John shares an exciting announcement—our next free workshopis coming up on October 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST.
Whether your school has hit its enrollment goal, built a waitlist, or fallen short this year, this session will give you the tools to grow. John will walk through the Pillars of Enrollment Growth—the same strategies that have helped Catholic schools across the country increase enrollment by nearly 20% in just 18 months.
What You’ll Learn
Register Now
📅 October 15, 2025 | 1:00 PM EST
💻 Free Virtual Workshop
👉 Register here
Share this opportunity with other school leaders in your network—it’s free, practical, and designed to help schools thrive.
Episode Title: The Power of Personal Connections in Our Catholic Schools
In this short episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John shares a simple but powerful lesson for Catholic school leaders—why personal connection matters more than ever.
Drawing from his recent experience of switching insurance agents, John highlights the parallels between customer service in business and the way Catholic schools communicate with families. Too often, schools only reach out when money is due or when something is needed. But that kind of transactional relationship doesn’t inspire loyalty—or retention.
Instead, John challenges leaders to think about how their schools can:
This episode is a quick reminder that relationships are the heartbeat of Catholic school advancement and enrollment. When families feel seen, valued, and connected, they don’t just stay—they become your best ambassadors.
Resources & Next Steps
Episode Title
📢 Free Workshop: The Five Pillars of a Successful Catholic School Advancement Program
Host
Hosted by John Mihalyo, Founder & CEO of Elementary Advancement Solutions
Episode Introduction
In this short episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John shares an exciting opportunity for Catholic school leaders and advancement professionals: a free, one-hour workshop designed to help you strengthen and grow your school’s advancement program.
This is your chance to learn the Five Pillars of a Successful Catholic School Advancement Program—a proven framework to inspire generosity, engage your community, and create a foundation for long-term growth.
Whether your school already has an advancement office or you’ve been considering starting one, this workshop will give you practical insights and tools you can apply right away.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Event Details
🗓 Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2025
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM EST (one hour only!)
💻 Location: Online via Zoom
💲 Cost: FREE
👉 Register here for the free workshop
Register now using the link above and join Catholic school leaders from across the country for this practical and inspiring session. Don’t miss this opportunity to step back, evaluate your school’s advancement efforts, and gain clarity on how to move forward with confidence.
Set Up a Time to Meet with John Mihalyo
If you’d like to talk further about how John and Elementary Advancement Solutions can help your school grow, you can also set up a time to connect here.
🎙️ Episode Title: Thank You Without Asking: A Gratitude Call
👤 Host: John Mihalyo
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt short episode, John shares a touching story about receiving an unexpected message from a former student—a reminder of the lasting impact Catholic school leaders have. Inspired by that moment, John challenges fellow principals, advancement directors, and Catholic educators to pause and do something powerful: reach out and say thank you.
No agenda. No ask. Just a sincere word of appreciation.
Whether it’s a parent ambassador, generous donor, or someone who consistently shows up for your school, today’s episode is a call to recognize and celebrate the people who make our school communities special.
💡 What You’ll Take Away:
✅ Action Step:
Today, pick 2–3 people who’ve made a difference for your school.
📞 Call, text, or email them just to say:
“Thank you. I appreciate you.”
No ask. No campaign. Just gratitude.
🙏 Final Thought:
This vocation is sacred—and we never do it alone. Don’t wait until the end of the year or the next gala to show appreciation. The best day to say thank you is today.
☕ Let’s Connect
📅 Book a virtual coffee with me and let’s talk about how to bring more collaboration into your leadership.
🎙️ Episode Title: Introducing: Catholic School Leaders Podcast Shorts
👤 Host: John Mihalyo
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this special kickoff episode, John introduces a brand-new format for The Catholic School Leaders Podcast: short, focused, and timely episodes designed to support Catholic school leaders in just 5–7 minutes.
These “Podcast Shorts” will tackle quick-hit topics, real-life challenges, and questions submitted by listeners—perfect for your morning drive or coffee break. John also shares how you can get involved by submitting your own questions and ideas for future episodes.
Whether you're navigating faculty culture, planning events, or just looking for a boost of inspiration, these new mini-episodes are here to meet you where you are, when you need it most.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
✉️ Submit Your Questions:
Have a topic or challenge you’d like John to cover in a short episode?
📬 Email: john@elementaryadvancement.com
📌 Subject Line: Podcast Question
🗓️ What’s Coming Up:
🙏 Final Word:
John wraps up with a word of encouragement for the new school year and a reminder that you’re not alone in your leadership journey. He’s praying for you—and ready to help.
🎙️ Episode Title: "You’ve Got This: Advice for New (and Veteran) Catholic School Principals"
👤 Host: John Mihalyo
👥 Guest: Julie Delaney, Retired Catholic School Principal & Parish Development Leader
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this reflective and wisdom-packed episode, John sits down with recently retired principal Julie Delaney to explore the most valuable lessons she learned from 17 years of leading a Catholic school. Whether you’re a brand-new administrator or a seasoned principal, Julie’s honest, insightful, and faith-filled reflections offer practical takeaways for building stronger school communities.
From managing parent relationships and navigating tough conversations, to the importance of mission, faculty culture, and self-care—this episode is a must-listen for Catholic school leaders at every stage of their journey.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
📬 Subscribe & Share
If this episode encouraged you, inspired you, or gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow leader and leave us a review. Your support helps spread the mission of strong Catholic education leadership.
✨ Podcast Show Notes
Episode: PLCs That Work: Building Collaborative Catholic School Cultures
Guest: Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, Assistant Superintendent, Archdiocese of Louisville
Host: John Mihalyo, Catholic School Leaders Podcast
Description:
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Trevor Timmerberg to explore how Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) can become transformational forces within Catholic schools—not just for student achievement, but for culture, leadership, and teacher growth.
Trevor shares how his former school earned international recognition as a Model PLC School, what it takes to build a guiding coalition, and how to implement PLCs even when you're the only teacher in your grade level.
We also talk about:
Whether you’re a Catholic school principal, advancement director, or classroom teacher, this episode offers practical advice and real inspiration for leading your school forward through collaboration.
🔗 Resources Mentioned
☕ Let’s Connect
Curious about how a mastermind group can help you grow as a Catholic school leader?
📅 Book a virtual coffee with me and let’s talk about how to bring more collaboration into your leadership.
🎙️ Episode Title: Mentorship That Matters: Building Stronger Catholic Schools One Teacher at a Time
👤 Host: John Mihalyo
👥 Guest: LaCosta Potter, Superintendent, Diocese of Crookston (MN)
🎧 Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode, John sits down with LaCosta Potter to explore how intentional, faith-driven mentorship is transforming teacher retention and culture across the Diocese of Crookston. LaCosta shares how her diocese has crafted a sustainable and impactful mentorship framework that supports both new and veteran teachers—especially those transitioning from public schools or new to the Catholic faith.
From onboarding with Mass and formation to trust-based observations and diocesan-wide collaboration, LaCosta reveals the systems and spiritual mindset that make their mentorship program both practical and personal. Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or teacher leader, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to implement a mentorship model rooted in mission, clarity, and community.
🧰 Key Takeaways:
🛠️ Mentioned in the Episode:Trust-Based Observations by Craig Randall
Listen to John’s interview with Craig
☕ Ready to Talk Strategy?
Let’s create an enrollment plan that works for your school. Set up a time to chat with John:
👉 Book a Virtual Cup of Coffee
🔔 Don’t Miss an Episode!
If this episode inspired you, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your fellow Catholic school leaders.
A Game-Changer for Catholic Schools: What You Need to Know About the New Federal Tax Credit
with Brian Jodice, Press Secretary, American Federation for Children
📌 Episode Summary:
In this must-listen episode, John Mihalyo welcomes back Brian Jodice—Catholic school dad, advocate, and Press Secretary for the American Federation for Children—to break down one of the most impactful pieces of legislation Catholic education has seen in decades: the new federal tax credit for K-12 scholarships.
This new tax code change, signed into law on July 4, 2025, creates a 100% federal tax credit that is permanent and uncapped, empowering donors and transforming access to Catholic education. Brian and John dig into what this means for dioceses, school leaders, families, and donors—and what needs to happen now to be ready by 2027.
If you’re a Catholic school leader, parent, pastor, board member, or superintendent, this episode equips you with everything you need to understand, advocate for, and act on this opportunity.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
🛠️ Practical Takeaways:
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Have questions about how this new tax credit could impact your school? Want help planning next steps for your advancement or enrollment strategy? Grab a virtual cup of coffee with me and let’s talk about how we can strengthen your Catholic school.
📅 Schedule a time here
🎙️ Catholic School Leaders Podcast
Episode Title: Mid-Summer Check-In: Budgeting, Staffing, and Setting the Tone
Host: John Mihalyo
In this episode, I dive into what’s keeping Catholic school leaders up at night in July—and what you can do about it. From budget shortfalls and open teaching positions to enrollment follow-ups and planning a meaningful faculty work week, I break down key priorities and offer practical steps you can take right now to set your school year up for success.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
🎯 Need help untying the knots?
Let’s talk: elementaryadvancement.com
🎓 Check out this month’s free workshop while you’re there!
Host: John Mihalyo
Guest: Thomas Boles, Founder of I Love My Tech Team
Episode Summary:
In this episode, I sit down with Thomas Boles, Catholic educator and founder of I Love My Tech Team, to talk about one of the most overlooked (and overspent) areas in Catholic schools: technology. We explore the four stages of tech maturity in schools—from “everything is broken” to true innovation—and dig into what it really takes to support teachers, avoid wasted purchases, and build a plan that actually works.
Whether you’re running on outdated hardware, trying to get the most out of your Chromebooks, or dreaming of level 4 innovation, this episode will give you practical, honest advice to make smart tech decisions that serve your mission and your people.
What We Talk About:
Key Takeaways:
Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe & Share
If this episode helped you think differently about technology in your school, please share it with your fellow Catholic school leaders, and don’t forget to subscribe!
🎙️ Episode Title: Trust-Based Observations
🎧 Host:John Mihalyo, Founder of Elementary Advancement Solutions
🎙️ Guest: Craig Randall, Author and Developer of Trust-Based Observations
🧭 Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John is joined by Craig Randall, a longtime educator and the mind behind Trust-Based Observations—a model that reimagines how we approach teacher observations in Catholic schools.
Rather than using outdated “check-the-box” models that often diminish trust and spark anxiety, Craig introduces a system built on relationships, consistent feedback, and meaningful reflection. The result? Teachers feel safe to take risks, administrators enjoy observations again, and schools foster cultures of innovation and joy.
This is a must-listen for principals and school leaders looking to improve instructional coaching, strengthen teacher relationships, and create an environment where everyone gets better—together.
🛠️ Tools & Resources:
📣 Call to Action:
If you’re ready to build a culture where teachers feel seen, supported, and excited to grow, visit www.trustbased.com or email Craig directly at craig@trustbased.com.
Want help building a strategy for your school? Head over to www.elementaryadvancement.com and set up a time to connect with John.
Set Up a Time to Meet with John Mihalyo.
Thanks for tuning in to The Catholic School Leaders Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow Catholic educators. Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to grow Catholic education together.
What if we treated our sports fields and courts like classrooms—where faith, character, and Catholic values are just as important as the final score?
In this episode, I sit down with Patrick McLaughlin, Principal of St. Francis Prep—the largest private Catholic high school in the country—to talk about the transformative power of athletics in Catholic schools.
Patrick shares how his team created a program to align athletics with Catholic mission—working with students, coaches, parents, and even the diocese to build a culture of sportsmanship, respect, and faith-filled leadership. This is an inspiring, practical conversation that every Catholic school leader, coach, and athletic director needs to hear.
Get your notepad ready—you’ll walk away with ideas you can implement in your school, no matter the size or budget.
Key Takeaways:
Connect with Us:
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with your network. Together, we’re making a lasting impact on Catholic education.
Catholic School Leaders Podcast: Show Notes
Episode Title: Expanding Catholic Education for All with Martha Murray
Host: John Mihalyo
Guest: Martha Murray, National Director of the Tom & Terri Murphy Foundation
Episode Summary:
In this inspiring episode, John is joined by Martha Murray, a passionate Catholic educator and advocate for inclusive education. Martha shares the powerful and personal story of her son Philip, whose journey through Catholic education sparked the creation of inclusive programs at both the high school and college levels. From the Options Program at Bishop Hendricken High School to the groundbreaking VUnited Scholars program at Villanova University, Martha walks us through how these models came to life—and how your school can begin a similar journey.
Whether you're leading a preschool, elementary, high school, or college, this episode is a must-listen for any Catholic school leader who believes in creating a faith-filled, inclusive community where every student belongs.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Key Quote:
“We are in the presence of saints when we are in the presence of these students. They bring such joy to our communities.”Connect with Martha Murray:
Want to learn more about inclusion in Catholic schools or talk with Martha directly? Visit https://tmurphyfoundation.org/.
Listen + Subscribe
Know another school leader who needs to hear this conversation? Share this episode and help strengthen Catholic education across the country. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review!
Let’s Connect:
Want to talk more about how to grow your school’s mission, enrollment, or advancement?
Visit www.elementaryadvancement.com or check the show notes below to set up a free conversation with John.
Episode Title: How to Get the Most Out of the NCEA Conference
Host: John Mihalyo
Episode Summary:
Are you heading to the NCEA Conference in Orlando this year? Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been to several, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you get the most out of the experience.
In this solo episode, John shares what he learned during his first NCEA Conference last year in Pittsburgh—from how to navigate the jam-packed session schedule to why the Whova app might just become your best friend.
John also discusses the power of stepping outside your comfort zone, how to turn online connections into in-person conversations, and how this conference is about more than professional development—it's about being part of the mission of Catholic education.
Key Takeaways:
✅ Plan Ahead for Sessions – Review the breakout offerings before you arrive and consider dividing them up among your team.
✅ Use the Whova App – This free tool will help you navigate the event, connect with others, and keep track of your schedule.
✅ Attend Daily Mass and Keynotes – Some of the most powerful and inspiring moments of the conference happen here.
✅ Step Outside Your Circle – Don’t just stick with people from your school—meet new people, expand your network, and grow.
✅ Take Advantage of Meetups – Check Whova for informal gatherings based on roles, regions, or interests.
✅ Connect with Vendors – The vendor hall is a great opportunity to discover new tools and resources—and pick up some great swag.
✅ Reconnect with Old Friends – Be open to unexpected reunions and intentional connections with people from past roles.
✅ This Is More Than PD – The NCEA Conference is a celebration of the Catholic school mission—come ready to be inspired and renewed.
Resources Mentioned:
📲 Whova App – Available for iOS and Android
📅 NCEA 2025 Site and Resources
🧰 Free Tools for Catholic Schools from Elementary Advancement Solutions
🗓️ Book a Strategy Call – Schedule a time with John
Sponsor:
🚀 This episode is brought to you by Elementary Advancement Solutions, your partner in enrollment, advancement, and strategic leadership for Catholic schools. Check out our tools, resources, and coaching opportunities online.
Guest: Will Parker
Host: John Mihalyo, Elementary Advancement Solutions
In this episode, John is joined by author and leadership coach Will Parker, whose book Messaging Matters was featured in John’s list of 11 School Leadership Books Every Principal Should Read.
The focus of this episode is on one of the most important—and often overlooked—aspects of school leadership: communication. Whether it's with students, faculty, parents, or the greater community, communication can either build momentum in your school—or hold it back.
Will and John explore practical, powerful ways that school leaders can embed strong communication practices into their daily leadership habits. You’ll hear how messaging isn’t just about what you say—it’s also how you show up, what you prioritize, and how you consistently celebrate your mission.
This is a conversation full of actionable strategies, real-life examples, and plenty of inspiration. If you’ve ever heard feedback that your school “needs better communication,” this episode is for you.
💡 Topics Covered:
📌 Key Takeaways:
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
📲 Stay Connected:
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this podcast with other Catholic school leaders in your network.
Want to talk about what’s happening in your school?
Let’s connect. Visit elementaryadvancement.com and schedule a time with John.