Guest:
Mark Horner, Principal of Tallmadge High School (OH)
Former teacher and coach
Co-host of the Between Two Blue Devils student podcast
Mark shares how student voice, servant leadership, and campus culture drive his daily mission.
We dive into his Four W’s framework, the revival of the Blue Devils podcast, and how simple habits—like morning greetings—transform school climate.
00:00 – Intro & why Mark’s journey matters
01:22 – From coach to principal & podcast reboot
12:00 – The Four W’s:
What’s your foundation?
What are you feeding your mind?
Who are you serving?
Who are you leading?
24:34 – Timing, mentorship, and growth into leadership
34:00 – Culture moves: greetings, music, and visibility
43:10 – Game time: Hall Pass or Homework
51:58 – Reflections & takeaways
🎧 Student podcasting builds authentic culture – co-host Preston helps connect leadership with student voice.
💬 Four W’s = daily reflection tool for both staff and students.
🚪 Presence beats policy – greeting kids at the door reduces conflict.
🐶 Therapy dogs calm tensions instantly.
☕ Principal coffee cart = community & connection.
Rapid-fire campus trends — Mark decides which get a hall pass!
Pep rallies → 📝 Homework (unless televised!)
Pajama Day → ✅ Hall Pass
Student podcasting → ✅✅✅ Hall Pass
Karaoke Fridays → 🎤 Hall Pass
TikTok trend → 🎬 Hall Pass
AI grading → 🤔 Hall Pass (with human review)
Bring-your-dog day → 🐾 Hall Pass
“Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.”
“You’ve already overcome your worst day.”
“Plug the cracks and become a better version of yourself.”
How to Win Friends & Influence People – Dale Carnegie
Between Two Blue Devils Podcast (Tallmadge High School)
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🔹 Episode Summary⏱️ Chapters💡 Highlights🏫 Game: “Hall Pass or Homework”💬 Quotables📚 Mentioned Resources📣 Connect with Mark Horner🎧 Listen & Subscribe
