Shows
Leaning into LeadershipEpisode 208: Helping Teens Make Better Choices with Kevin MecchellaWhat if your biggest mistakes became the very stories that helped others succeed? In this episode of Leaning Into Leadership, Dr. Darrin Peppard sits down with Kevin Mecchella — former class clown turned classical musician, educator, and nationally recognized student speaker — to talk about the power of decision-making and how schools can equip students with tools to choose better every day.Kevin shares his personal journey from chasing laughs to chasing success, including a pivotal life moment that redefined how he views choices and consequences. Drawing on his experiences as a K–12 teacher and professional musician, Kevin now fuses m...2025-05-1838 min
The Generation Youth Podcast with James McLambEp. #128: What Can We Do Today To Help Teens Reshape Their Future? With Kevin Mecchella🌟📚🎶 How do the stories teens tell themselves shape their choices and future? 💭🌈 In this episode of the Generation Youth Podcast, 🎙️✨ host James McLamb speaks with Kevin Mecchella, a youth speaker, musician, and behavioral coach, about empowering teens to rewrite their stories and make wise decisions. 🔑🙌 Kevin shares his journey of resilience, 🌍🎸 the pivotal lessons from his life-changing experiences, and how he helps students understand the power of "yet" in shifting mindsets. 🔄💡 Together, they explore strategies for teaching accountability, 🤝💪 fostering gratitude and addressing challenges like technology and social media. 📱🌐 If you’re a parent, teacher, or anyone working with youth, 🚀🎯 you’ll gain valuable strategies to empower them to choose gr...2024-11-2434 min
Upgrade My ClassroomEp: 153 - Helping Teen Performing Artists Navigate Their Mental Health With Erin PompaTeenagers all share the same stress and anxiety but teen performing artists (musicians, dancers, singers, etc) have an extra layer on top. They often connect their self worth to their craft and when they encounter a poor audition or recital, the negative self talk becomes deafening. It's hard to navigate consdiering they put themselves in a vulnerable place; on display for the world to see! Today, I brought on dancer, educator, and mental health professional Erin Pompa. Erin shares her personal journey from a dance educator to a passionate advocate for mental health. Our wide ranging conversation...2024-07-3136 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhy Teens Are So Afraid To Make A Mistake (And Ways We Can Help)I've had so many conversations lately with both teens and adults where I've realized the fear of failure is alive and well no matter your age! People are so scared of making mistakes and it unfortunately keeps them stuck from moving fast. Moving fast is the only way we learn and grow. So today I'm going to share my 2 cents on fear of failure... - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 2024-07-1712 minUpgrade My ClassroomFreshman Year Of College: How To Redefine Yourself And Embrace A Fresh StartDo you remember that time that everyone laughed at you because you had toilet paper stuck to your shoe? Or that nick name that stuck with you in 4th grade? You may remember but you know who doesn't...everyone at college! Students are about to embark on a entirely new chapter in their life. For many of them, a new state with a completely new set of friends. This is a chance to embrace a fresh start! They can become who they want and view the world through a new lens. They don't have to be held...2024-07-1015 minUpgrade My ClassroomAcknowledging the Six Human Needs in Educational SettingsToday I'd like to reflect on a personal story from my childhood—a deep-seated obsession with Superman and the significance it held for me. I was a product of the Christopher Reeves Superman (ahhemm....the best one) and it was a few things. Sure it was the way he carried himself but at the age of 6 it was more about his ability to fly! Even more so it was how everyone was in so much shock and awe around him. The power and significance he had was intoxicating. I was a child who wanted significance... With that be...2024-07-0314 minUpgrade My ClassroomEssential Tips for Students Moving from High School to College LifeMost of us can remember the first few months of our undergraduate experience. It was not easy! It's a big shift for many different reasons so when we talk about our student's mental health, this is a very pivotal point and an important transition. Today we'll chat about the challenges students face as they navigate the increased autonomy, adult responsibilities, and cultural shock in a university setting. Time, energy and money management are all important for a college freshman, as well as finding a social and academic groove without hitting a wall. Take a listen to a...2024-06-1219 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Break Down Social Cliques In High SchoolDo you remember the last few months of your senior year?! All of a sudden everyone started talking to each other, everyone became friendly, and all social cliques began to to break down! We realized that our future has arrived. There was no more next steps and for most part, you were not going to see a vast majority of these people ever again. Everyone was going to go on to do different things with their lives and no matter how cool you were, what sports you played or how good your grades were, everone was on the same...2024-06-0511 minUpgrade My ClassroomA Mental Health Morning Routine...For Teens!The saying goes "if you win the morning, you win the day". And morning routines are not just for adults! There are many great benefits from a teen implementing some personal development tactics before they head out to school. Today I'll share some practical strategies to help teenagers enhance their well-being by focusing on their body, mind, and emotions in the morning. From exercise to meditation, journaling, and acts of kindness, I'll break down simple yet impactful routines that can make a positive difference in the lives of your teens. ...2024-05-2914 minUpgrade My ClassroomUnpacking the CASEL Framework: Strategies for SEL and Mental Health From Communities To ClassroomsMay is Mental Health Awareness Month so today we'll be unpacking the CASTLE SEL framework which is a key component of social and emotional learning. I'll provide an in-depth breakdown of the framework's five core competencies, along with discussing the settings that SEL can be taught which are classrooms, schools, families, and communities. There are some hidden gems to this framework that might go overlook at first. I'll be asking some interesting questions to challenge how we approach SEL from the outside in! ...2024-05-0213 minUpgrade My ClassroomBeyond the Surface: How To Invest Time in Students Who Appear Self-ReliantI recently had a student come up to me after a talk and said "I want to be like you"... I assumed that he meant he wanted to be a speaker. I was wrong. He continued to say "I want to speak and I want people to finally hear me". I realized that this student has so much to say and so much to share but he doesn't have an outlet to do so. I then thought about my experiences working with students either in the classroom or from the stage and I...2024-04-2413 minUpgrade My ClassroomPicking The Right Major To Avoid The Rat Race And Find PurposeWhen I was in high school I KNEW that I was going to be a high school band director.... Clearly I was mistaken. When 16 and 17 year old children are asked what they want to do with the rest of their lives (AKA picking a major), there are a lot of variables and situations to think about. Whether your teen is having trouble picking their major or is on the opposite end of that spectrum and is completely sold, there are a few questions that are crucial to ask in this process. ...2024-04-1717 minUpgrade My ClassroomEp: 143 - The Student Loan Decision And The Monthly Breakdown Students NeedWhen a student is thinking of taking a student loan, what does $50,000 really mean to them. Well if they're anything like me, nothing! I had no personal finance education and the number seemed so vague. Plus you've probably also heard things like... Everyone has to take them I won't have to pay them back for a long time I'll just get a decent job that makes enough money to pay them back quickly We know the issues with the above statements but our kids don't. That's why we need to break down what these big numbers actually...2024-04-1014 minUpgrade My ClassroomHelp Change A Teen's Subconscious Beliefs Using The Story CycleIf we tell ourselves a certain story, we're going to make certain decision. If we change that story, our decisions will change as well. Today we're going to break down the Story Cycle. This simple yet extremely powerful concept has been taught by many personal development and productivity gurus. Ultimately our story influences our actions, our actions influence our results, and our results reinforce our story. This is how the rich get richer and the poor get poorer! ...2024-04-0310 minUpgrade My ClassroomPreventing Teen Substance Abuse: The Power of Setting Clear BoundariesToday I start with a story. It's actually one of the earliest memories I have. It was a contract that my mother and my teacher made me sign... As someone who is NOT an expert on addiction, drugs and alcohol or substance abuse, this is simply one man's experience with early prevention. Take a listen to today's episode as I discuss a few ways we can instill a strong identity and help set personal boundaries for teens as they navigate the dangers of drugs and alcohol. ...2024-03-2718 minUpgrade My ClassroomConfronting Regret: Empowering Teens to Make Better Decisions in LifeToday we're going to try a slightly different format. I will be playing a short clip from one of my recent talks at Dobbs Ferry High School in Westchester, NY. This clip highlights some of the selfish choices a teen can make when they tell themselves a limiting story. Today I'll discuss 3 effective strategies for educators to help students navigate regret, urging them to consider the limited time they have and how their actions will shape their lives. From visualizing a 90-year life calendar to encouraging empathy and respectful conversations, I feel like this is a short...2024-03-2012 minUpgrade My ClassroomDecoding The 3 Truths Behind Our DecisionsThroughout my time as a teacher, coach and speaker, I've learned quite a bit about how teens make decisions. One major realiztion I've had is that our decisions are governed by three fundamental truths. No matter what age and what circumstance, these principles are what guide and shape our decisions. When it comes to teens, they are much more vulnerable due to the lack of life experience, as well as their timeline of cognitive growth. So today, I will break down what these three truths are and how we can better understand them. If we are to i...2024-02-2820 minUpgrade My ClassroomEp: 138 - Self-Confidence, Personal Growth, And Empowerment: A Conversation With M&P PresentationsWhen it comes to high amounts of energy, there are no better people that Matt and Phil from M&P Presentations. This dynamic youth speaking duo has been working with teens for over a decade. They have a truly unique perspective considering both Matt and Phil work professionally in the field of education. In this episode, we discuss a wide range of topics such as self-care, personal growth, and overcoming challenges that teachers face on a day to day. We also dive into their journey in professional speaking, as well as how teaching better helps their speaking...2024-02-1454 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhen Students Fail: The Evaluation And Revision Of Their smartER GoalAt some point every teen will fail at something. The issue is that students are facing this idea of perfectionism that is engineered from social media and the constant connection to all their peers. So how can we help them and what strategies can we give them to work through their failures? Today we'll dig into the importance of evaluating and revising goals, celebrating wins along the way, gaining perspective, and discovering the real motivation behind a goal. ...2024-01-2512 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhat Are Your Teen's Actions To Achieve Their S.M.A.R.T.E.R. Goals?The SMART or SMARTER goal framework is fairly common among professionals and executives but how about teens? Has you student ever formally tried to sit down and create a detailed goal? Considering it's the first episode of the year, the conversation on everyone's minds is always New Year's resolutions and this also could be on the mind of a high school student. If so, today I'll give you a few examples of some of the pitfalls and things to watch out for as you work with your teen to craft their goals. More importantly, I'll discuss the...2024-01-0422 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow Students Can Find Their Purpose By Asking One QuestionIt's a hard question...what do I do for the rest of my life? Even harder when you have to make that decision at 16 when applying for colleges. I have embarked on a few different entrepreneurial pursuits in my life. While I believe they all kind of stemmed from the same purpose, they were definitely different in the day to day. After deciding to pursue speaking full time, I asked myself the most important question... If money was no longer an issue, would I still do what I'm doing today?! Check ou...2023-12-2112 minUpgrade My ClassroomFind The Root Of Your Problem By Asking Why...5 Times!I was recently watching a video from Ali Abdaal, one of the most successful productivity Youtubers. He was going through a lot of higher level thinking and figuring out what direction to take his business next. This is where he dropped a gem! If you're having trouble with achieving a goal or not sure what to do next in your life, ask yourself why...5 times! This is a really effective exercise that I think might bring more clarity than you even intended! ...2023-12-1508 minUpgrade My ClassroomTeaching Students How To Prioritize (College Applications)This is crunch time for college applications. That means that students will need to shift their priorities. Here are a few things that can help your students to reprioritize. 1. Mindset Reframing: It's important for students to understand that they won't be able to get everything done, and that's okay. Prioritizing is about making choices and focusing on what truly matters. 2. Delayed Gratification: In today's instant gratification world, it's essential to help students recognize the long-term benefits of investing their time and energy into important tasks, even when it may not bring immediate satisfaction.2023-12-0712 minUpgrade My ClassroomEducator Spotlight Series: Will Elliot - Teen Life CoachToday is another Educator Spotlight Series! Join me as we dive into the world of Will Elliott, a 25-year-old teen life coach. When Will first appeared in my feed, I was conflicted with the thought of a 25 year old life coach. On one hand I said "he's still a kid himself"! On the other hand I thought that being young would make him much more relatable than mom and dad! Check out today's review as we unravel the insights, challenges, and nuances of Will's approach while acknowledging the critical connection between teens, their mentors, and...2023-11-2911 minUpgrade My ClassroomAsking Jocko Willink A Question On DisciplineI recently saw a video of Jocko Willink where he attempted to answer a question from a listener. The question was revolved around discipline and how to develop it when you come from a undisciplined household. I found it really interesting to say the least... Today we'll unpack the crucial aspect of taking accountability and setting clear expectations in the classroom in order to help your students become more accountability. Moreover, we'll tackle the art of overcoming challenges and why it's vital for a teen's personal growth. ...2023-11-2212 minUpgrade My ClassroomFrom Practice to Progress: Empowering Students To Take Consistent Repetition and DedicationAs a musician for a huge part of my life, practice has always been something that is necessary. Even if I don't have a specific gig coming up, I always have to practice to get better at the craft and to keep my endurance at a high enough level. In today's quick episode, I'm digging into a question that's been on my mind – the role of practice in the life of a teenager. Not necessarily practicing a musical instrument but practicing anything they want to improve upon. The reality is students are dealing with constant dis...2023-11-1512 minUpgrade My ClassroomFailure as Feedback: Teaching Students to Learn from Setbacks and Embrace FailureAs a youth speaker and coach, I'm well aware of how crucial it is to teach teenagers the art of embracing failure and navigating the challenges it presents. It's all about helping them understand that failure isn't the end of the road but rather a stepping stone towards eventual success. It took Thomas Edison 1000 tries to invent the lightbulb and with that being said, I want to emphasize the importance of perseverance and never giving up, no matter how many times you stumble along the way. There's a certain clarity that comes with each failure, and it's...2023-10-2513 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhat Students Lack In Experience, They Can Gain In PerspectiveHigh school can be challenging. One of the biggest problems is that students are still so young. They haven't lived enough yet to gain the best tool in the toolbox...experience! So instead of trying to step into a time machine, I have three simple ways that students can gain the next best thing. Perspective. Take on leadership roles: Encourage students to step up and exhibit leadership in small ways. This could involve reaching out to include someone who is sitting alone at lunch or volunteering to assist a teacher or fellow student in need. These simple acts...2023-10-1808 minUpgrade My ClassroomMotivation Is Easy...When It's EasyHave you ever come across those intense, aggressive, and highly popular motivational videos on YouTube? You know the kind, the ones that feature people running and lifting weights while some voice over dude screams in the background?! But have you ever wondered why these videos don't show people sitting down and studying or writing?! In this episode, we explore the concept of motivation and why physical activities are often portrayed as being easier to motivate oneself for, compared to other tasks like studying or problem-solving. We'll discuss the differences between motivation and inspiration, and how understanding these...2023-10-1112 minUpgrade My ClassroomThe Value of Extracurriculars in Fostering Social Skills and Emotional AwarenessAs teachers, administrators, and anyone involved in education, we can probably all recall the impact these activities had on our own lives and why they are so important for our students. From theater to sports, from music to student government, extra curricular activities teach our kids so much in the ways of social and emotional skills Responsibility: Being part of a team or group requires students to take on responsibility, whether it's memorizing lines, learning songs, or managing their time effectively. The collective effort of working toward a common goal fosters a sense of accountability and instills valuable...2023-10-0414 minUpgrade My ClassroomEducator Spotlight Series: Dr. Justin BaederToday is a first experiment of the spotlight series. This will be a series on this podcast where we highlight individuals who are making a difference in the world of education. Today, we turn the spotlight on Doctor Justin Baeder, a former principal turned administrator mentor, who is helping principals become better leaders. We delve into one of his thought-provoking Tiktok videos regarding the push for teachers to also become therapists. Check it out! ...2023-09-1313 minUpgrade My ClassroomStarting the Year Off Right: Prioritizing Mental and Physical Health in the ClassroomLast week I recorded an episode about the conflicting feelings of going back to school. I figured I would continue down of talking about the beginning of the year. As educators, we have the power to not only teach academic subjects but also to prioritize our students' mental and physical health. So, how can we start the year off right and truly make an impact on their lives? What are some of the routines and systems that you're going to put into place this school year? Most importantly, how can we show our students that we care a...2023-08-3115 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Actually Enjoy The Last Few Weeks Before SchoolAugust is always a strange month for me. Whether I was in high school myself or as a teacher, I always had mixed feelings about going back to school. On one hand, I was so excited! I can literally smell the excitement in the air! I was pumped to see my friends, all the after school activities starting up and just being around the action! On the other hand, I was terrified of all the hard classes and unknown challenges that were about to come my way. I felt similar as a teacher...a...2023-08-2311 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhy High School Students Are Terrified To Make The Wrong DecisionI've noticed a recurring theme – this fear of making the wrong decision. And trust me, I get it. High school is a time of change. But here's the thing – it's absolutely okay to be wrong sometimes. In fact, making mistakes is an essential part of growth and learning. That's why I believe it's crucial to equip students with the skillsets to handle making decisions and learning from the outcomes. Throughout this episode, I'll be sharing my experiences and insights from conversations with students of different grade levels, offering practical advice on how to navigate the fear...2023-08-0212 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhy Adaptability is Crucial for Students & How to Cultivate itIn today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, adaptability has become a crucial skill for success, particularly for high school students. Being adaptable means having the ability to adjust and thrive in different situations, allowing students to navigate the challenges they face both academically and personally. Think about the fact that both Facebook and the iPhone are not even 20 years old and these two companies and products have completely reshaped the world and how we interact with it. Now with VR and AI on the brink, we are about to see some insanely fast change! On to...2023-06-2817 minUpgrade My ClassroomBeyond Words: The Importance of Nonverbal CommunicationOn this episode, we explore the power of nonverbal communication through vocal inflection, hand gestures, facial expressions, and physical stance. We break down the box they are in and show them how to excel in communication and become successful students! Remember, communication is more than just the words we say, it's how we use them. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If y...2023-06-1417 minUpgrade My ClassroomBalancing Discipline and Mental Health: An Assistant Principal's ReflectionsToday I sat down with Scott Wisniewski, a high school assistant principal and winner of the NJPSA/NASSP NJ Assistant Principal of the Year, to dissect how Wayne Schools is investing in the mental health of their students. We had a wide ranging conversation including what it's really like being an assistant principal. While maintaining discipline, attendance and scheduling are all important parts of the job, the real meat and potatoes of the job is building relationships. Scott spoke about how he handles discipline issues with an open mindset and approaching the situation with empathy and understanding...2023-05-2547 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Audit Your Phone For Your Mental HealthIn today's fast-paced world, our phones have become an integral part of our lives. They offer us a plethora of utilities and allow us to stay connected with the world at large. However, the excessive use of phones can also lead to stress and anxiety in our student's lives. Today we're going to look at how to audit your phone for your mental health. By prioritizing essential utilities, limiting non-essential phone usage, being mindful of social media content, and building positive relationships, students can take control of their phone usage and promote mental health and well-being. Remember...2023-05-1013 minUpgrade My ClassroomDavid Flood Teaches Students How To Be SelflessDavid Flood, a youth motivational speaker joins us to chat about his experiences helping students unlock kindness and compassion for one another. David shares his insights on why the word "love" and the influential figure that used this word so eloquently. David opens up about his son Justin who is autistic and how he is one of the most powerful drivers in his family and life. We also dive into why mental health issues are on the rise and how the relationship between students and technology is affecting their well-being. We explore the challenges that...2023-05-0345 minUpgrade My ClassroomStudent Leader Stress (And Ways To Manage It)Student Leader Stress is a real thing. Teens have a lot going on in their lives. They face high expectations and often put unrealistic pressure on themselves to be the best version of themselves. These expectations may be self-imposed or put on them by others in positions of authority in their lives. Finding balance between their personal lives, reality, hopes, aspirations, and dreams can be challenging for these students. One thing I know for sure that can help in every facet of life is establishing some type of routine. This doesn't have to be some intense rise...2023-04-1912 minUpgrade My ClassroomReaching Teens Through A Balance Of Fact And Funny With Matt Bellace PhD.Reaching teens can be tough. I found someone who has figured out how to do it…very well! Today on the show I sit down with Dr. Matt Bellace and learn how he uses comedy to present scientific evidence regarding substance abuse. We discuss his background as a clinical psychologist and the convergence of his comedy career, all at the same time while pursuing his PhD. When he works with students, Matt focuses on helping teens find natural highs as an alternative to drug and alcohol abuse. Many high school students are struggling with issues of identity, se...2023-03-2245 minUpgrade My ClassroomHelping At-Risk Youth Look At Their Time As Preparation...Not Punishment With Michy E. MorilloAt-risk youth are students who need help avoiding the school to prison pipeline. This is what our guest Michy Morillo shares with us today on the show. Michy E. Morillo is an author, youth coach, and acclaimed keynote speaker with lived experience navigating the juvenile justice system. As a former juvenile delinquent and an expelled high school student, Michy went on to have a successful 20 year career in graphic design. Little did she know, being repeatedly incarcerated between the ages of 14 and 18 and being expelled were uniquely designed for her life’s purpose. Following the bl...2023-03-1537 minUpgrade My ClassroomTeach Teens To Manipulate Their Social Media AlgorithmSocial media has become a hotly debated topic, and as teachers and youth coaches, it's important to discuss the pros and cons it provides. On the one hand, social media gives teens instant and broad access to their peers and interests, plus the opportunity to make real money. It also offers access to amazing education resources. On the other hand, social media can be a highlight reel, leading to feelings of inadequacy, and it has made cyberbullying more pervasive. Additionally, algorithms can manipulate how our brains process what we’re seeing, creating a type of add...2023-03-0826 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Help Students Redefine StressHow we redefine stress can literally make stress a non issue! When it comes to our students dealing with the stress and anxiety that comes with things like college admissions, making the school team, or dealing with bullies, it's important that we teach students to redefine the stress by changing it's meaning.It's all about reframing things in a positive way and helping students realize that it's not the end of the world if they don't make the team or don't fit in with everyone socially. Take trying out for a school team or the musical, for...2023-03-0123 minUpgrade My ClassroomAdvice For Parents From A CTE Teacher With Khristen MassicA CTE teacher has a lot on their plate. For that matter, teachers in general have a lot on their plate! But when it comes to multiple prep teachers, there are other organizational challenges that are much more obvious. I can somewhat relate from my previous career as a music teacher. At the end of the day, the more organized and systematic we can be, the better off we can be for our kids. Today on the show we hear from a true productivity expert! Khristen Massic works with multi-prep teachers to create systems to...2023-02-2236 minUpgrade My ClassroomTeaching Students To Recognize Their Worth And Value With Kate GarnesNo matter how old you are, I think we can all relate to not feeling worthy at certain times. The feelings of not being good enough, strong enough or smart enough are somewhat natural emotions that are designed to keep us in place which ultimately is designed to keep us safe. The problem is we are no longer hiding from lions trying to eat us! Today I brought on someone who really knows how to teach students to recognize their worth and value as a human being. Kate Garnes is a professional youth speaker who is committed...2023-02-1540 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Regulate Your Nervous System With Molly RasanenTeacher Burnout is a real problem and has been on the rise for the past few years. The pandemic has certainly expedited this issue. So today on the show we learn how to prioritize our own well-being as teachers and education professionals. Our guest, Molly Rasanen, is a holistic coach who specializes in energy healing. Molly helps us understand how our bodies hold trauma and how this can affect our emotions and reactions in the classroom. She explains how we can gain control of our nervous systems and how we can be intentional in the way we app...2023-02-0847 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Teach Students Perspective Of TimeTo teach students perspective of time is tricky. How can you teach students perspective when they have so little life experience to actually "have" perspective? On this episode, I discuss the importance of understanding our relationship with time, and how this is especially important for high school students. Time can be a double-edged sword, allowing us to be productive and feel like we're making progress, but at the same time it can make us feel anxious and even a bit fearful...as if we're running out of...time! The development of the human brain is...2023-02-0110 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Guide High School Students Into An Undergraduate Degree With Dan WendelkenTransitioning students from high school to college is tough. In this episode, I interview a colleague and great friend Mr. Dan Wendelken, an elementary band director from Long Island, New York. We have a wide ranging conversation surrounding his career now having taught elementary through college students. We start by discussing the differences between the emotional displays of elementary students and those of high schoolers. Dan explains that while elementary students are more likely to show their emotions, high schoolers are much better at hiding them. We then discuss a few ways to intervene in...2023-01-1856 minUpgrade My ClassroomA Responsible Decision Making Framework For High School StudentsThe choices we have, dictate the decisions we make which builds the patterns of our lives. In this episode I break down the CDP framework; an easy and digestible process for high school students to begin to see that responsible decision making is something completely achievable. When making choices, it is important to understand the difference between a choice and a decision. Choices are something that is presented to us and decisions are something that has already been done. Furthermore, there are three types of choices: obvious choices, hidden choices, and fabricated choices. Decision making is based...2023-01-1116 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Facilitate Your Staff…And Students With Professor Michael SalzmanToday on the show I got to sit down with my college euphonium teacher, Professor Michael Salzman. As a recently retired music coordinator of the Syosset School District, Professor Salzman was responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of other music teachers. He shed some light on how to facilitate your staff in order to support and nurture vs. correct and reprimand. We also discussed the nuances of going from a colleague to a boss. We then spoke about some of the challenges he's faced working with college music education and performance majors. Salzman values the importance...2023-01-0447 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhat Teachers Can Learn From Business OwnersTeachers often have a lot on their plates, let alone being great teachers and guides to our students. Sometimes we get stuck in the trap of "I'll just do it myself" or "If you want it done right, you have to do it yourself". But did you know that we can take some inspiration and lessons from other fields, like entrepreneurship, to help us manage our time and resources better and be more effective in the classroom? There are three major things that business owners have to do in order to run a business successfully...2022-12-2819 minUpgrade My ClassroomDietary Routines: The Road To Recovery From Emotional Eating With Cina HoeyIf you have ever suffered from binge eating or have a really poor relationship with food, this episode is for you. Today I am so happy to have a wonderful colleague and long time friend Cina Hoey on to talk with us about her work as a psychotherapist. Developing daily routines to induce behavior change may only be the beginning. We learned a tremendous amount regarding what it may really take to move forward from trauma and develop positive dietary habits. If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to h...2021-04-1532 minUpgrade My ClassroomThe Baby Chronicles Part 2: Does Productivity Really Exist One Month In?!Our daughter Quinn is just over a month old at the time of recording this and boy do I have things to report! This is the second installment of the baby chronicles after the first time I made some....predictions! Actually, I wasn't too far off but there are certainly things I'm learning everyday trying to keep daily routines, let alone an entire Ritual Design. The biggest thing I found was that having a plan when your schedule gets even tighter is extremely important. Take a listen to today's episode to get all the realizations! ...2021-04-0819 minUpgrade My ClassroomTake a Break...The Proper WayIf your mind and body is telling you that you need rest, you better listen! The last couple of weeks I took a bit of a break because we had one of those major life events....we had a baby! I knew one thing for sure. There was going to be a slew of uncertainty! I had no idea what to expect so I knew that I would need to take some time off. I still am getting my bearings of my schedule and the lack of sleep. So I thought today would be a...2021-04-0217 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Avoid "Work Dreams"We've probably all at some point had dreams about work. Half the time they're just dreams about doing menial tasks! How annoying! When I'm working I'm working but when I'm sleeping....PLEASE let me sleep! Today on the episode I discuss three easy ways you can avoid having dreams about work leveraging the often overlook AW routine. If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6z794lRhHJfMVWtys-_Bdw?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgrademyrituals2021-03-1608 minUpgrade My ClassroomBecome Comfortable Being Uncomfortable And Step Outside Your Comfort ZoneIf you're listening or watching this, that automatically means you have a level of comfort compared to many people in the world. Ultimately we'll always face challenges that come our way and living with certain levels of comfort puts us at a disadvantage. This is why we must create scenarios to practice getting out of our comfort zones. Create hard situations for yourself whether it's a polar plunge or having that difficult conversation with your Mom. Today I give some thought on my own experience living uncomfortable. If you're looking to learn more ab...2021-02-1817 minUpgrade My ClassroomThe Zeigarnik Effect: How To Take Advantage Of A Immediate PoolToday on the podcast, I break down something called the Zeigarnik Effect. This is a realization that when you stop a task in the middle of doing it (writing a sentence, doing homework, etc), you are much more likely to be able to jump right back into the middle of the task. When it comes to Ritual Design and productivity, this could either be a positive or a negative. Take a listen to find out if the Zeigarnik Effect could be used to your benefit! If you're looking to learn more about Ritual D...2021-02-1706 minUpgrade My ClassroomCapture Strategies: Get The Thoughts Out Of Your Head And Into A PlanHave you ever felt completely overwhelmed by all the things that you need to remember? Or even worse, have you had a great idea only to forget it later on? The simple concept of capturing every thought, task and idea that comes into your head is a huge staple of productivity. Today on the podcast, I discuss different strategies to implement a capture system in your own planning efforts. "Your brain is for having thoughts, not holding them". David Allen If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to...2021-02-0513 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Avoid The Lunch SlumpI just got finished reading WHEN by Daniel Pink. This is a fantastic book that unveils the science of timing. The first portion of the book revolves a lot around the slump during the middle of the day. Today I go a bit deeper discussing the physical aspects of how your actual lunch can affect your efficiency and productivity midday! If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6z794lRhHJfMVWtys-_Bdw?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram: https://www.i...2021-02-0210 minUpgrade My ClassroomPersonal Productivity With A Newborn (The Baby Chronicles part 1)Introducing the first segment of The Baby Chronicles! Every once in a while I will document my journey becoming a father and how/if/when my personal development will change! That's right! My wife is expecting and we have just one more month to go! We're super excited (and slightly nervous)! One thing I know for sure is that change is upon us. I'm not sure exactly what will change but I do know that my daily schedule will be one of them! So how does somebody invested in Ritual Design and bettering themselves continue to...2021-01-2812 minUpgrade My ClassroomRevenge Bedtime ProcrastinationI heard this term last week and thought it was so incredibly relevant for an older version of myself! So I figured I'd use this opportunity to see if any of you out there suffer from Revenge Bedtime Procrastination?! When I first heard this I fell in love with it! Staying up late even though you have to be up early the next day was something that I thought only a select few people did. I thought it solely categorized people that were depressed and didn't want to start the next day as long as they could...2021-01-2610 minUpgrade My ClassroomHas The Morning Routine Become Overrated?If you're sick and tired of seeing Instagram posts that mention "the 7 simple steps to perfect your mornings" or something like that...I feel you! The pressure that is put on people saying a great morning routine is the only path to success might be overwhelming. On today's episode I go deep into chronotypes and brain waves to try and uncover if the mornings may not be the optimal time for you! If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com Youtube: https://www.y...2021-01-2122 minUpgrade My ClassroomAnalog vs. Digital Planning...Which Is Better?Some people love apps and and make sure everything they need is in their phone. Some people love writing things down on scrap pieces of paper. Some have a mixture of both but which ever way you go, you need a rock solid method to set goals and schedule your day. This episode I give some pros and cons to each method of planning so you can figure out what might work for you. If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com Youtube: h...2021-01-1907 minUpgrade My ClassroomYour Financial Routines...Do You Have Them?Are you in debt? Probably. Statistically you probably have some sort of debt and if you're anything like me you have A LOT of debt! And that's ok as long as we have some routines for our money. Today on the podcast I share something that is very personal to me. I also talk about the four specific routines that I do with my money to help my financial future. If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c...2021-01-1427 minUpgrade My Classroom50 at 50 or 10 at 100: What To Do When You Can't Finish Your Routine.There are a few old and tired phrases like "give it your all" or "lets give it 110%" that may not be as tired as we thought. Today's episode will focus on the choices you have when something gets in the way of completing your routines. Do you abbreviate everything to try to fit it all in? Or do you cut out certain tasks and focus entirely on a select few? Take a listen today! If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com YOUTUBE: h...2021-01-1208 minUpgrade My ClassroomEp: 34 - Use Domains To Steer Your Goals (Excerpt from live training)If someone wants to lose weight, being stressed with their job will certainly get in the way. If you want to start a side business, negative emotions can certainly be a hinderance. Either way, developing the entire person is necessary to achieve whatever goal you're seeking. This week's episode is an excerpt from a live training that I hosted on Monday. These workshops will continue the beginning of every month! This workshop was revolved around the SMARTER goal framework and how we can develop goals stemming from finding the domains in our lives that we'd l...2021-01-0721 minUpgrade My ClassroomEp: 33 - Experiment with Quarterly Goals vs. Annual goalsEvery year I always set annual goals. I looked at the calendar and saw 12 months ahead of me to make serious moves...and every year something happened. Either my direction changed and the goals were no longer needed or they needed to be tweaked along the way. I think, especially for the creative minded, an entire year is just too long to set goals and expect to keep on the exact same path. Life moves way too fast and we need to adjust to world around us. That's why this year I'm experimenting w...2021-01-0609 minUpgrade My ClassroomEp: 32 - Avoid Judgment Of Others...And YourselfSo it's the final episode of the worst year of my life. Quite possibly yours too. I decided to talk about judgement (on the micro and macro) considering I found myself being human. I judged people and how they handled this year and while very slight and very short, the judgement was still present. It got me thinking that business owners and high performers are usually quite critical of themselves and when they miss a goal, they might have the tendency to judge themselves. In 2021, we need to give both ourselves and others a bit more slack.2020-12-2411 minUpgrade My ClassroomEp: 31 The Productivity Problem With The WeekendsThe inner turmoil of wanting to "use" the weekends is tricky. My immediate thought is to work straight through all 48 hours...but that's not REALLY what I want. I want to feel a certain way about my time off...or my time on. I want to feel accomplished and relaxed at the same time. Is that even possible? I think so but we have to implement something called the variable routine. Without it, we just end up drinking out of a fire hose which is usually gets pumped with errands, yard work and in laws!2020-12-1715 minUpgrade My Classroom(QTT) How To Implement The Dark HoursTechnology has become such a huge part of our lives over the last 10 years with the adoption of the mobile device. With that being said, we all know the issues around too much screen time. So today on the podcast I talk about ways you can implement dark hours within your routines. What times of the day will you keep your phone off, locked or away? How will this help more than just your physical well being? If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com Y...2020-12-1510 minUpgrade My ClassroomIntentions Are Sometimes Greater Than The ResultHave you ever cheated on a test?! Of course not! Have you ever KNOWN someone who has cheated on a test?! Maybe. Maybe that person just made a bad judgement call. Or maybe that person is just a short term thinker. They'll do anything to make sure they succeed in the immediate future but often forget about the long term. They might forget about their legacy and their what failures will ultimately teach them along the way. Take a listen to this week's episode to hear some interesting ideas about setting good intentions, as...2020-12-1112 minUpgrade My Classroom(QTT) Holiday Binging: How To Incorporate Food Into Your RoutinesThe holidays are right around the corner and that usually means some pretty rough eating! Cookies, candy and cakes are all staples of the holidays and we're left with a choice...to binge or not to binge?! The question can be eliminated if you decide to make dessert part of your Ritual Design....or just enjoy yourself and have the dessert! Either way works! If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6z794lRhHJfMVWtys-_Bdw?sub_c...2020-12-0808 minUpgrade My ClassroomShould You Wake Up....EVEN EARLIER?!This is the first of the Solopreneur Series where I sit down with solopreneurs, business owners and side hustlers to take a peek into their daily routines. I've known Dennis Buchanan for quite some time and just recently he started implementing an early...very early morning routine! Some might say he joined the 5 am club! Dennis runs the Long Island Gaming League (https://www.facebook.com/LIGamingleague/), as well as Onerecourse (https://www.onerecourse.com/). If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to http://www.upgrademyrituals.com2020-12-0333 minUpgrade My Classroom(QTT) Organize Your Digital Files and LifeAs I record this episode, I'm currently revamping my digital life. This means a new computer (M1 Macbook Pro), new hard drives and dock. What this also gave me a chance to do is tidy up my digital life. This includes everything that lives and enters my computer. Emails, files, media and more all need to have a system of process and storage. After everything is all organized, that is when we get to revisit our routines and see if we can make any tweaks. When do I check email? How d...2020-12-0214 minUpgrade My ClassroomEp: 25 - 3 Ways To Design Your Environment For Massive ProductivityIf you've found yourself hunched over your laptop sitting on your bed trying to get things done, you might have noticed it was less than effective! Even more, trying to implement a daily routine in a distracting environment is a killer. Today I go over the three things you should think about when designing your environment to be more effective and implement a solid Ritual Design. If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to www.upgrademyrituals.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgrademyrituals Facebook: https://www.facebook.c...2020-11-2617 minUpgrade My Classroom(QTT) Time Audit: What Is It And Why You Need To Try It!Have you ever seemed to look at the clock and ask yourself "where did the time go"?! We'll that question maybe should be taken a bit more serious! Today I talk about two simple ways you can implement a time audit. Really track every minute of the day to see where your time is going and maybe if you can make some changes. If you're looking to learn more about Ritual Design, head over to www.upgrademyrituals.com Website: https://www.upgrademyrituals.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/upgrademyrituals/ 2020-11-2418 minUpgrade My ClassroomA Break.2020-11-1606 minUpgrade My ClassroomQTT: Dealing With UncertaintyI'm right with you. The virus has us all looking at life with blinders on. How long will this last? What will change? Will it get worse? I have no answers to any of these questions. Hopefully today we'll be able to talk about some ways to deal with these tough times of uncertainty.2020-03-1809 minUpgrade My ClassroomTriage The Failure Of Your Ritual DesignThe last couple of weeks I've been really sloppy with all my routines. I thought this might be a great opportunity to walk through the way I approach this issue and how I get out of a funk. It's a process and takes a while to master but when you have a plan it's a whole lot easier! 2020-02-1522 minUpgrade My ClassroomContext (Why Listen To This Podcast)Today on the podcast I play a recent interview I had with the found of a wonderful software called Week Plan. Aymeric is a great guy and I figured this would be a good opportunity to give you more context on who I am and why I'm so passionate about routine building! I also mentioned my workshop I'm hosting on Monday night. Check it out here. ...2020-01-3119 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhat Kids Know That Adults ForgetHave you ever wondered how kids can fly out of bed so excited? Meanwhile it's just a Tuesday at 6:00 am! This is something that every child has innate within them and it really shows why children are so special. Take a listen today as I unpack how we can regain this child-like energy! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! I...2020-01-2805 minUpgrade My ClassroomTurn Your Identity Crisis To An Identity ShiftHave you ever tried to create a new habit or establish a new routine with no luck? There's actually an easier answer than you think. Today I use my diet as an example of how I changed my identity to meet my goals. If you are a "healthy person" vs someone who's trying to diet than the conversation around eating the chocolate cake ends before it even begins! Listen in to see how you can shift your identity to get to the root of your problems and make the changes you want to have stick!2020-01-2415 minUpgrade My ClassroomThe Calendar is ArbitraryHappy New Year! It's 2020 and we're about two weeks in. Some of you might have set some New Years resolutions. How are they going so far?! I find it interesting that we wait until a day on the calendar whether it be next week, next month or next year to become a better version of ourselves. You can decide in an instant to change the things you do and the way you think but the practice of doing that is really tricky! Listen today to learn how I approach the calendar and how I use i...2020-01-1405 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhat Is The Abbreviated RoutineI hear from a lot of people that they don't have time for a morning routine. I get it! The abbreviated routine helps you get as many of the important segments of your routines in as possible, while mashing them together and saving time. Check it out! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be s...2019-12-1108 minUpgrade My ClassroomExperiment With How You Reflect On Your LifeAs Thanksgiving just came and went and December is in full swing, I find myself always reflecting a lot on the entire year. What did I accomplish and what fell short? I also reflect on how I'm tracking my routines and ritual design. If there are any changes that need to be made, this is usually the time of year I do it! Take a listen today to possibly get some ideas on how you can track your own daily routines and rituals! ...2019-12-0406 minUpgrade My ClassroomReplace One Word For Massive ProductivityThe things we tell ourselves and the words we use can ultimately make or break our productivity. We can either hinder our subconscious mind or leverage the right type of wording to empower our creativity and problem solving skills! Today on the podcast I talk about the worst word in the dictionary. I also teach you an alternative that opens up all the doors! ...2019-11-2705 minUpgrade My ClassroomStop Limiting Self Talk With One QuestionDo you ever find yourself saying "what's the point"? What's the point of starting my diet when I know I'm going to a party on Saturday? It's already Thursday and I've eaten pretty poorly as it is... What's the point of studying because I know I'm not going to pass. These are some of the limiting beliefs and sayings that we all fall victim to from time to time. Today I give you a reframe that might help! ...2019-11-2110 minUpgrade My ClassroomYour AM Routine Can Start Differently Than It EndsEvery time I hear someone tell me the way I need to start my day...I start to turn off. Number one, this person doesn't know me! They don't have context and do not have the nuances of my life. Secondly even if I start my morning ritual slow and ease into the day doesn't mean I can't end my ritual with an intense, endorphin pushing adrenaline rush! Take a listen today this Quick Tip Tuesday and see how you can truly work a morning routine to fit your style and situation! ...2019-11-2006 minUpgrade My ClassroomUnderstanding The Difference Between Peace And PleasureThe difference between peace and pleasure at first may be slight but today I dig into what they're really about. Don't take it from me! I show a clip from someone with a lot more clout than I have. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as to leave a rating and review, that would help t...2019-11-1419 minUpgrade My ClassroomWhat Is The "Bookend Method" Regarding Your Daily Routines?Today I'm sharing my method to bookend your routines around the most stressful parts of the day. If you're someone who is already stressed and the idea of adding a bunch of routines and rituals makes you feel even more stressed, than today's quick tip will definitely help! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to the show! If you'd be so kind as t...2019-11-1208 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Begin Your Keystone RitualThe keystone ritual is basically the 80/20 of your weekly ritual design. If you never heard of the 80/20 rule (the pareto principle), it basically states that only 20% of the things or actions we take produce about 80% of the results. To really nail your weekly rituals on a day to day level, your keystone ritual is crucial. This is a once a week routine that sets your week up for success and makes each day that much easier. ...2019-11-0713 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Use Alexa In Your Daily RoutinesDo you own an Alexa device or a Google home? If so, your daily routines are about to be upgraded! Todays quick tip is how I incorporate these voice activated devices in my daily rituals. You may be wondering why not just use an alarm on your phone? Well you certainly can but there is a huge psychological edge. Listen to today's episode to find out exactly what I mean. ...2019-11-0504 minUpgrade My ClassroomLearn The Secret To Unclog Your MorningsToday on the podcast, I teach you about the clog that interrupts your daily routines. What stops you from finishing your routines? How do you actually start to unclog your mornings? Is it motivation or mindset? Or is it a specific tactic that is a cure all? Today, I dive into the concept of your clog and how to make sure it doesn't derail your day. ...2019-10-3116 minUpgrade My ClassroomGet The Hardest Things Done FirstDid you ever find yourself procrastinating...and you knew it?! Our brains are amazing. Even when we intellectually know something we'll do anything to "save energy". One of the best habits I've started building was to get the hardest things done as early as I could in the day. This builds incredible amounts of momentum for me knowing that everything else is cake. Take a listen to todays episode if you feel like your schedule can't allow this to happen. ...2019-10-2904 minUpgrade My ClassroomAre You Productive Or Just Busy?Are you being productive or just busy? What is it that you're actually making or creating? Many of us run around all day like a chicken without a head and at the end of the day feel as if we got nothing accomplished. That's probably because we got nothing accomplished... Watch the episode to hear some personal examples from my life and ask yourself "what can I do to actually get more accomplished"?! ...2019-10-2920 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Be 100% In Control Of Your LifeDon't believe me? Watch this. If anyone has done something that looks like you then you can too. We all have our problems and issues that we have to overcome but we are 100% in control over those too! Maybe we can't control if bad things happen to us but we certainly can control how we react to them! - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Don't forget to subscribe to th...2019-10-2806 minUpgrade My Classroom70 Days Of ProductivityThe 4th quarter is really interesting to me. It always has been. One one end it means that we're winding down, getting to see some family, and reflecting. On the other hand there is this awesome push for trying to go hard for the next 70 days are really be productive on all your goals you set. And then there's my favorite time of year....January?!?! Check out the third episode for more clarification ...2019-10-2811 minUpgrade My ClassroomHow To Wake Up On The First TryDid you ever find yourself snoozing no matter how much you promised yourself you wouldn't the night before? I have an easy hack for you today on the first installment of Quick Tip Tuesday. Each Tuesday I'll be putting out an episode that is between 2 and 5 minutes long that is a simple quick tip. The more we can get to the meat and potatoes the better we can become! ...2019-10-2803 minUpgrade My ClassroomWelcome to the Upgrade My Classroom Podcast!Thank you for listening to the Upgrade My Classroom Podcast! Kevin Mecchella, youth speaker and behavior change specialist uncovers the social and emotional strategies that help teenage students make great decisions and mitigate bad ones. On this show, you’ll learn from experts in the field of education, youth leadership and behavioral psychology how to create positive, lasting change for your teens. Our kids are faced with so many challenges and we have a responsibility to guide through the choices they have in front of them. Whether it's bullying, drugs or their own mental health, students need our help....2019-10-2309 min