What if the safest schools aren’t the ones with the toughest rules, but the ones where every kid feels seen? We sit down with Dr. Beth Sanborn—26-year police veteran turned school safety coordinator—to unpack how compassion, trust, and everyday presence can prevent harm long before discipline or court becomes part of the picture.
Beth takes us inside the real work of a school resource officer: mentor, educator, and, when necessary, law enforcement. She explains why a “stolen Oreo” is a moment for curiosity, not cuffs, and how asking why behavior happens leads to smarter, fairer outcomes. We go deep on early intervention, the myths that feed the school-to-prison pipeline, and the practical steps that keep small missteps from becoming life-altering records. Her candor about vicarious trauma and finding purpose in schools brings rare clarity to how adults can help without harming.
You’ll also learn the story behind Hidden, High, and Hammered, Beth’s program that helps adults spot subtle signs of substance use. From fruity-smelling bathrooms to clever stash spots, she shares what teens actually tell trusted adults and how that insight can guide prevention. Beth’s two daily habits—smile often and use students’ names—sound simple, but they transform hallways into safer spaces. We talk empowering students by including them in solutions, and we share a “golden question” for parents that maps who a child turns to when life goes right—and when it goes wrong.
If you care about school safety, youth mental health, early intervention, and building trust between students and adults, this conversation is for you. Subscribe, share with a colleague or caregiver, and leave a review to help more listeners find these tools—and tell us: what small habit will you start using tomorrow?
