The Sneaker Principal Podcast

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The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Uche L. Njoku, EdM

153 episodes

9 months ago

In this episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast, I take you through my morning as I balance being an educational leader, a father, and someone committed to self-care and wellness. After a restful weekend at a mindfulness retreat, I reflect on the importance of listening to your body, staying consistent with personal routines, and showing up for the people who matter most—both at home and at work.This conversation touches on everything from my morning workout routine, intermittent fasting str...

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Self-Improvement

All content for The Sneaker Principal Podcast is the property of Uche L. Njoku, EdM and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

In this episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast, I take you through my morning as I balance being an educational leader, a father, and someone committed to self-care and wellness. After a restful weekend at a mindfulness retreat, I reflect on the importance of listening to your body, staying consistent with personal routines, and showing up for the people who matter most—both at home and at work.This conversation touches on everything from my morning workout routine, intermittent fasting str...

Show more...

Self-Improvement

Episodes (20/153)

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Balancing Leadership, Fitness, and Fatherhood

In this episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast, I take you through my morning as I balance being an educational leader, a father, and someone committed to self-care and wellness. After a restful weekend at a mindfulness retreat, I reflect on the importance of listening to your body, staying consistent with personal routines, and showing up for the people who matter most—both at home and at work.This conversation touches on everything from my morning workout routine, intermittent fasting str...

10 months ago

22 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

A Journey to Wellness and Longevity | Season 4 Episode 3

Welcome to another episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast! Today, I’m reflecting on a weekend of mindfulness, family, and the journey toward a healthier, more intentional life. Fresh from a wellness retreat in Massachusetts, I explore the importance of connecting mind, body, and spirit—not just for school leaders like me, but for anyone looking to live a more fulfilling life.In this episode, I dive into: • The transformative power of wellness retreats and intentional self-care • B...

10 months ago

28 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Mindfulness for School Leaders: A Journey to Wellness and Self-Care | Season 4 Episode 2

In this episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast, I take you on a journey through my weekend at Kripalu, a wellness and mindfulness retreat nestled in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts. As a public school principal and educational leader, I reflect on the toll our work takes on mental health, the weight of responsibilities we carry, and the importance of finding spaces for self-care and restoration.I share insights from my time with the Gray Fellows, a fellowship dedicated to empoweri...

11 months ago

20 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

The Sneaker Principal Podcast is Back: A New Chapter Begins

Welcome to the first episode of the new season of The Sneaker Principal Podcast! It’s been a journey since I last intentionally created podcast content, and I’m thrilled to dive back in. In this episode, I reflect on why I’ve decided to return to this space and how I plan to build an authentic platform for educators, school leaders, and creatives alike.As an NYC public school principal, content creator, and educator, I share insights on the balance between leadership, creativity, and personal...

11 months ago

20 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Why Algebra 1 is an Educational Gatekeeper

Welcome to this episode of the Sneaker Principal podcast, where we explore the significance of Algebra 1 in our education system. As an experienced school leader, I'll share why Algebra 1 is crucial and challenge educators to prevent it from becoming a barrier for students. We'll also discuss the role of principals in promoting math education and its impact on students' success, both academically and in their future careers. Join us on this enlightening journey to prepare students for the 21s...

1 year ago

25 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Embracing the Unknown: A Journey through School Leadership

What if true leadership in education isn't about having all the answers, but about embracing the unknown? In this enlightening episode of The Sneaker Principal Podcast, I take you on a journey through the intricate and often unpredictable world of school leadership. Here, we'll dive into the challenges and the unexpected beauty found in embracing uncertainty. This episode goes beyond the traditional view of leadership; it's about sparking change and inspiring others. True leadership is not ju...

1 year ago

26 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Framing the Future: The Canon R and Its Lenses Transforming School Narrative

In this enlightening episode of The Sneaker Principal podcast, join host Uche Njoku as he explores the vital role of photography in school leadership. Discover how the Canon R, coupled with its RF 15-35mm and 24-70mm lenses, is revolutionizing the way school leaders capture and share pivotal moments, shaping the identity and community perception of their schools.Delve into the world of visual storytelling and understand why professional-grade equipment like the Canon R outperforms smartphones...

1 year ago

36 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Creative Outlets: The Unseen Necessity for School Leaders

What if creativity was your secret weapon to overcoming the burdens of school leadership? Join us, as we draw upon my two decades of experience to reveal how thinking outside the box can not only help you tackle the challenges of managing a school, but also bring balance to your personal life. We are about to embark on a fascinating exploration of the role of creativity in leadership and problem-solving, and how it can breathe new life into your daily tasks. School leadership isn't just ...

1 year ago

22 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

You Are Not Meant To Be A Principal | Unmasking Imposter Syndrome

Feeling like an imposter in your own shoes? You're not alone. Through the lens of my personal journey, we peel back the layers of the seldom-discussed yet common phenomenon of imposter syndrome among school leaders. As a school principal, I’ve experienced it firsthand, and it's time we openly address this. This episode dispels the myth that a school principal is a fountain of knowledge, always ready with solutions. No two situations in school leadership are identical and this episode hig...

1 year ago

17 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Diving Deep into Water Fasting

Have you ever considered the life-changing potential of fasting? Join me on a journey where we delve into water fasting and its impressive ability to combat cancer. My recent two-day water fast, which ended just before Thanksgiving Eve, brought an unexpected sense of community within my school. It's a testament to how personal health choices can resonate and inspire those around us.Curious about the details of fasting? Having experimented with juice fasts, I'm now taking on a four-day water f...

1 year ago

23 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Water Fasting Journey: Reclaiming Health Amidst Demanding Careers

Have you ever struggled with managing my health while trying to excel in a demanding career? Absolutely. In this episode, I'll take you through my personal journey, sharing the highs and lows of my water fasting experience and the remarkable impact it had on my energy levels.I'll also emphasize the importance of self-care and health optimization, highlighting the consequences of neglecting well-being for the sake of professional pursuits. Let's explore strategies together, such as reducing su...

1 year ago

26 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Your Health First: Juggling Duties and Wellness

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by life’s relentless demands, feeling as though everything is spiraling out of control? I know this feeling all too well, and it's exactly what we're unpacking in today's episode. My personal wake-up call came in 2015, following a car accident that forced me to confront the state of my health head-on. I realized then that I had been putting my work and responsibilities ahead of my own wellbeing. Today, I’m here to share my journey and the valuable lessons I’ve l...

2 years ago

33 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Addressing Chronic Absenteeism: Strategies for Student Engagement and Improved Attendance in Schools

Are we ready to take on the issue that's pulling students out of the classrooms and hindering their academic growth? Because it's high time we expose the silent epidemic of chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year, that's causing a ripple effect in our education system. This is not just a conversation about students skipping school - it's about understanding the complex factors behind it, including the child's home environment, and putting strategies in place to ...

2 years ago

38 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

The Power of Decentralizing Your School Leadership

Who says that the key to successful school leadership lies solely in the hands of the principal? This episode is about to challenge that notion. We're turning the spotlight on the power of decentralizing leadership in schools and the remarkable difference it can make. Over-centralization can lead to slow decision-making processes, burnout, and exhaustion. We dare to imagine a different, more balanced approach to leadership, one that empowers assistant principals to take charge and contribute ...

2 years ago

31 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

The Role of Fear in Achieving School Excellence

Have you ever considered fear to be a secret weapon in school leadership? As we peel back the layers of this rarely discussed topic, we uncover how fear, often viewed as a crippling force, can be harnessed and transformed into a powerful asset in achieving school excellence. I walk you through my unique journey of leading a struggling school to success, and the pivotal role that fear played in that process.We delve into the importance of speaking up, taking initiative, and documenting decisio...

2 years ago

52 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Transforming a Struggling School: A Principal's Journey

Have you ever wondered what it's like to step into a struggling school and turn it around? Drawing on my five-month tenure as the interim acting principal at PSIS 224 in New York City, I share the intricate details of my journey, taking a deep, hard look at the school's narrative and finding ways to effect change. From our bold decision to rebrand the school to "Exploration and Discovery", rallying the staff, students, and the community, to even bringing the Chancellor of New York City public...

2 years ago

30 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Navigating School Bullying: A Call to Educators for Open Communication and Action

Strap yourself in as we embark on an intense journey of personal discovery and intense disappointment, underscored by the harsh reality of school bullying. My own daughter was the victim, a revelation that shook me to my very core. Her story served as a stark reminder about the imperative role we educators play in protecting our students from the psychological and physical torment that bullying inflicts. Despite my position as a school leader, even I was blindsided by the lack of immediate ac...

2 years ago

9 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Embarking on a New School Year: A Parent and Educator's Perspective

Welcome to a journey of unprecedented emotions as we embark on a fresh school year. This one holds a special place in my heart, as it is my daughter's first step into the educational sphere. With 19 years of experience as an educator, I'm no stranger to yearly beginnings. This time, however, the added dimension of parenthood bestows a whole new perspective. Join me as I navigate the ups and downs of this unique year, feeling the nerves, the excitement, and the reflective moments, connecting m...

2 years ago

11 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Impactful Lessons with Malcolm Harvin Connor

Today, we're pulling back the curtain on education with Malcolm Harvin Connor, a principal with a vision. How can we prepare our children for the future? Malcolm believes the keys are reading, writing, and critical thinking, and he's not afraid to set high expectations. Whether you're in the classroom or on the school bus, Malcolm insists that everyone plays a role in creating an educational environment that you'd want for your own children. Born in Nigeria and raised in the US, Malcolm ...

2 years ago

33 minutes

The Sneaker Principal Podcast

Challenging Educational Legacies: A Journey in Fostering Growth and Change

What does it mean to respect educational legacies? How do we embrace change while honoring the past? Join me as I share my encounters with a young, passionate educator who was part of an educational legacy. I share a slice of my experience as a parent and an educator, shedding light on the complexities of this unique profession. From grappling with passive-aggressive behavior to fostering a community that lets its members grow freely, I'll walk you through my journey of navigating a new schoo...

2 years ago

17 minutes