Virtual School Assembly
150 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsVirtual School Assembly brings the assembly to you! These assemblies are created to inspire, entertain, and educate students learning from school or from home. Host and productivity speaker Tyler Christensen interviews Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes, Olympians, motivational speakers, and educators on issues and topics that are relevant, timely, and that matter to students.
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Episodes
100 Danielle Campo McLeod - You Don’t have to be Perfect to be Amazing
April 05, 2021 13:27 - 24 minutes - 8.25 MBDanielle Campo McLeod is a former Paralympic swimmer that has held a total of eight world records. In this episode she shares her story of growing up with a disability and how she became a world-class swimmer. She also shares her thoughts around supporting others who are different, setting and accomplishing big goals, and what is bringing her happiness now.
099 Tammy Cunnington - Passion equals Victory, Adjusting to a New Normal
April 05, 2021 13:24 - 23 minutes - 7.92 MBTammy Cunnington is a Paralympian, world record holder, and public speaker. In this episode she shares here story of resilience and perseverance in overcoming a childhood accident to become a world class athlete and eventual Paralympian.
098 Geoff Lewis - Managing Anxiety and Designing your Life
April 05, 2021 13:20 - 28 minutes - 9.16 MBGeoff Lewis is the Assistant Director of Employer Relations, Career & Professional Development at Southern Utah University. In this episode he speaks about his experience speaking at TEDxSUU and then in hosting the event the following year. He also shares his message for dealing with anxiety with three steps: stop, breathe, and design.
097 Katie Von Till - The realities of being a working actor in Hollywood
April 05, 2021 13:16 - 28 minutes - 9.39 MBKatie Von Till is an actress and voice over artist, best known as the voice of Snow White. In this episode Katie shares her journey to Hollywood (via New York), the realities of being a working actress, an overview of the voice work industry, and how she became Disney’s latest Snow White. She also gives kids great advice on how to start now to pursue a career as an actor.
096 Akeem Haynes - Finding your gift and outlasting the storms of life
April 05, 2021 13:13 - 23 minutes - 7.76 MBAkeem Haynes is an Olympic sprinter, an author, and a motivational speaker. In this episode he shares his own story of being homeless as a child and how he overcame that to become a two-time Olympian. He explains how he’s been able to live a life of gratitude, find time to write books, and the importance of leaving a legacy and finding your gifts.
095 Nicoline Ambe - 5 Keys to Finding Your Voice in a Sea of Opinions
April 05, 2021 13:09 - 29 minutes - 9.59 MBNicoline Ambe is a speaker and travel advisor. In this episode of #VirtualSchoolAssembly she talks about finding your voice and dreaming big. As a travel advisor she talks about opportunities for service, helping others see the world, and the value in being exposed to different cultures. Finally, she shares the importance of learning through books and video, and how to virtually travel during times like this (COVID).
094 Miranda Ming and Rhonda Key - The Path Less Traveled
April 05, 2021 13:04 - 23 minutes - 7.72 MBDrs. Miranda Ming and Rhonda Key are school administrators invested in transforming school culture. In this episode they share ideas on how to take the path less traveled in order to transform school culture and better serve our students.
093 Ricky Sapp - The NFL Dancing Substitute Teacher
April 05, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 5.43 MBRicky Sapp is a former NFL linebacker and current motivational speaker, the dancing substitute teacher, and founder of the Ricky Sapp Foundation. In this episode of #VirtualSchoolAssembly Ricky shares his story of transitioning out of the NFL, overcoming setbacks, and dreaming and living big.
092 Michelle Enjoli - How to Find a Career that Excites You
April 05, 2021 12:52 - 20 minutes - 6.99 MBMichelle Enjoli is a business owner, a speaker, and a career coach. In this episode she walks students through the process of investigating different potential careers, gives suggestions for how to start making connections and gaining experience, and shares how to begin building a personal brand and platform.
091 Joshua Pelland - Enduring Beyond Finding cheerfulness in adversity
April 05, 2021 12:38 - 26 minutes - 8.76 MBJoshua Pelland is an ex-military and rock climber that has survived a fall that resulted in a life-changing spinal cord injury. In this episode she shares how he was able to rehab and find cheerfulness in adversity, becoming a para-athlete, and being a life-long learner.
090 Bea Wray - Entrepreneurship and the Freedom it Brings
April 05, 2021 03:54 - 19 minutes - 6.75 MBBea Wray is a speaker, business owner, and author. In this episode she shares her road to becoming an entrepreneur and business owner, reasons for homeschooling her children, nuggets from her book “What an MBA taught me that my Kids Made me Learn”, and some positives that have come over COVID with simplifying and focusing on what matters most.
089 Daryl Fordyce - Becoming a Professional soccer player and dealing with social inequalities
April 05, 2021 03:51 - 35 minutes - 11.2 MBDaryl is a professional soccer player from Northern Ireland. In this episode he talks about his development in youth soccer in Ireland, the ups and downs of his long professional career, and how the riots and social tension he felt as a youth in northern Ireland are once again playing out around the world.
088 Lance Koudele - Going with the Flow Finding focus and Clarity
April 05, 2021 03:48 - 20 minutes - 7 MBLance Koudele is a 2017 X-Games Gold Medalist as a photographer and videographer. He is an avid skier/boarder, surfer, biker and traveler. In this episode he discusses flow states and finding focus and clarity as well as how to pursue your passion with reckless abandon.
087 Mills Rodgers - Resilience and Making a Difference
April 05, 2021 03:44 - 22 minutes - 7.62 MBMills Rodgers is an author, teacher, and speaker. In this episode he shares his journey from childhood to the military to becoming a special education teacher, an author and a speaker. His message of resilience and making a difference in the world is one that anyone can connect with and it’s inspiring to see all that “Mr. Rodge” has been able to do!
086 Sean Bennett - Overcoming bullying, From Victim to Victory
April 05, 2021 02:17 - 18 minutes - 6.34 MBSean Bennett is an actor who has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He is also a media guest, author, keynote speaker, and television host. In this episode he shares his experience of changing schools and trying to fit in, overcoming bullying and being his authentic self, what it’s like working with some of the biggest starts in Hollywood, and why he wrote a book about getting deals.
085 Dawn Ellery - You are not your labels
April 05, 2021 02:02 - 23 minutes - 7.97 MBDawn Ellery is a human resources professional. In this episode she talks about labels, dealing with depression, and how to develop a strong mental health foundation. Dawn is vulnerable in bringing up experiences from her own life as she gives great advice on how to better understand where others are coming from, how to reach out to get support if you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, and how avoid negativity and surround yourself with great people.
084 Kyle Willkom - Action Packed Leadership and kindness-based influence
April 05, 2021 01:58 - 20 minutes - 6.95 MBKyle Willkom is a speaker, workshop facilitator, and educational consultant. In this episode he shares the message of action packed leadership.
083 Robby Thomas - Being Creative and Moving into Uncertainty
April 05, 2021 01:51 - 25 minutes - 8.41 MBRobby is the Vice President & General Manager of WTVY & WRGX. In this episode he walks us through his journey into marketing, advertising, and news media, and how he transitioned into local journalism.
082 Natalie Allport - Effort Is cool, Being a professional athlete and entrepreneur
April 05, 2021 01:42 - 26 minutes - 8.84 MBNatalie Allport is a former Canadian national team snowboarder, entrepreneur, multi-sport athlete and podcast host. In this episode she talks about getting started as a professional athlete and as an entrepreneur. She shares what she did as a kid and high school to learn social media, entrepreneurship, and branding, and shares advice for developing useful skills and creating a personal brand.
081 Kenneth Scott - Dreaming big
April 05, 2021 01:36 - 25 minutes - 8.39 MBKenneth Scott is a former wide receiver in the NFL and CFL. In this episode of Virtual School Assembly he encourages students to dream big by setting SMART goals, taking action, and not fearing failure. He shares some of the ups and downs of his collegiate and pro careers and even talks about his own goals and dreams moving forward.
080 Dustin Peterson - Three Keys to Choosing a Major and Career You'll Love
April 04, 2021 20:52 - 40 minutes - 12.8 MBDustin Peterson is the author of RESET: How to Get Paid and Love What You Do, founder and CEO at Proof Leadership Group, and a career coach. In this episode of Virtual School Assembly he shares three keys to choosing a major and/or career in an area that will be fulfilling to you, explores how to better understand yourself and your strengths, and testing the waters in different careers.
079 Samantha Stewart - Gender equality in sport
April 04, 2021 20:49 - 39 minutes - 12.6 MBSamantha Stewart is a 10x Canadian National Medalist in women's wrestling and is training for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. In this episode she talks about what it is like to be a female in a male dominated sport, why she tries to “be strong,” not “strong for a girl”, how she is training in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, and what kids can do to set goals and live a healthy life.
078 Ross Katz - Hard work and Hollywood
April 04, 2021 20:36 - 36 minutes - 11.5 MBRoss Katz is a Producer, Content Creator and Filmmaker. He is the producer of award winning films Lost in Translation, Taking Chance, and In the Bedroom. In this episode he outlines his journey to Hollywood, describes how he developed skills that would ultimately lead to his success in film, and how he has dealt with the ups, downs, and uncertainty that comes in Hollywood but that is also facing all of us now amid COVID.
077 Amobi Okugo - Why Amobi Okugo is both a professional soccer player and A Frugal Athlete
April 04, 2021 19:48 - 28 minutes - 9.33 MBAmobi Okugo is a professional soccer player and the founder of A Frugal Athlete. In this episode Amobi shares his journey from childhood to professional soccer player and the creation of A Frugal Athlete. She also shares financial advice for athletes and for everyone else too.
076 Tom Mustin - Working hard and staying positive in a changing world
April 04, 2021 19:43 - 24 minutes - 8.13 MBTom Mustin has been a TV news anchor and reporter for more than twenty years. In this episode he recounts his journey into television news, and shares advice for how to be successful in any profession or endeavor.
075 Claire Felix - Body image, shaming, and mental health
April 04, 2021 19:40 - 35 minutes - 11.2 MBClaire Felix is a professional volleyball player currently playing in France. In this episode she describes her experience going from a young ballerina and model to becoming a volleyball star (now playing professionally overseas). She also tackles the issues of body shaming and mental health, bringing in her own experience.
074 Trent Bray - Taking consistent action
April 04, 2021 19:34 - 23 minutes - 7.89 MBTrent Bray is the founder of Hustle Energy and the podcast host for the Hustle the Day podcast. In this episode he shares part of his entrepreneurial journal and discusses the value of taking consistent action. We also dig into being a family man, working from home during COVID-19, and what it takes to start a business and a podcast.
073 CJ Watson - Following your dreams
April 04, 2021 19:31 - 13 minutes - 4.95 MBCJ Watson has played in the NBA for 12 years with the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and the Chicago Bulls. He is the author of CJ’s Big Dream—a children’s book about following your passion. In this episode he shares his unconventional road to the NBA and to becoming a children’s book author.
072 Monica Kretschmer - Building confidence and relationships while championing women
April 04, 2021 19:23 - 18 minutes - 6.56 MBMonica Kretschmer is the founder and CEO of Universal Womens Network, and the host of the Women of Inspiration podcast. In this episode we talk about the value in networking, having a support system, developing leadership skills, and supporting women.
071 Vanessa Siren Mahan - Speaking about perseverance and grit
April 04, 2021 19:18 - 22 minutes - 7.54 MBVanessa “Siren” Mahan is a Weapons System and electronic warfare officer flying in both the F-15E Strike Eagle and the EA-6B Prowler. She is a Lt Col in the USAFR and is currently an Air Operations Officer with Special Operations at Camp Smith, Hawaii. In this episode she talks about setting big goals, how she was able to fly under-the-radar and find success, and how she started her own business.
070 Gurdeep Ahluwalia - Finding your passion
April 02, 2021 21:49 - 26 minutes - 8.75 MBGurdeep Ahluwalia is News Anchor for CP24 Breakfast. In this episode he talks about his journey to becoming a news anchor and what opportunities he took along the way in order to learn and grow in the media industry.
069 Alex Gough - Olympic luge medalist Alex Gough talks about teamwork
April 02, 2021 21:45 - 28 minutes - 9.41 MBAlex Gough made history at PyeongChang 2018, winning a bronze medal in the women’s singles event, Canada’s first ever Olympic medal in the sport of luge. Two days later, she stood on the podium again, alongside her teammates, after winning silver in the mixed team relay event. In this episode she walks us through her career in luge and the role of team and family in her success.
068 Joe Fingerhut - Developing a HOW CAN I Mindset with Permission to Play
April 02, 2021 21:32 - 31 minutes - 10.1 MBJoe Fingerhut is a unicycling magician, trampoline Dad, and crazy fun speaker at conferences, organizations and schools on leadership and success. In this episode he encourages students to overcome their excuses and gives “permission to play”. He changes the language from “I can’t” to “how can I?” Along the way we get to do “the arm thing”, hear of his overseas travels, and even see him unicycle.
067 Scott Shellstrom - Unleashing your Inner Da Vinci
April 02, 2021 21:27 - 16 minutes - 5.8 MBScott Shellstrom is an artist and business innovator who teaches how to value your inner creativity. In this episode he shares how to unleash your inner Di Vinci as a creator and life-long learner.
066 Moushaumi Robinson - Become your Greastest YOU
April 02, 2021 21:22 - 25 minutes - 8.52 MBMoushaumi Robinson represented the United States as part of the gold medal winning 4x400m relay team in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. In this episode she talks about her childhood, collegiate running, and Olympic journey. She shares with youth how they can become their greatest YOU!
065 Jamie Sale - The Olympic journey and the Power of Vision
April 02, 2021 20:31 - 21 minutes - 7.32 MBJamie Sale is an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, a mother, a life coach, and an advocate for people with special needs. In this episode she recounts her journey as a professional skater, participating in the Olympics, and the role of visualization in success.
064 Eileen Grubba - Be the cool kid
April 02, 2021 20:21 - 27 minutes - 8.87 MBEileen Grubba is an award-winning actress, writer, public speaker, and producer. She has appeared recently in HBO’s Watchmen, CBS’s SWAT, Netflix’s The Politician, and so many others. In this episode she shares her story of growing up with a disability, overcoming cancer, and finding success in Hollywood. She encourages students to be “the cool kid”, just like the screenwriter of Wonder was the cool kid for her.
063 Anil Gupta - Creating a mindset for happiness
April 02, 2021 20:16 - 15 minutes - 5.65 MBAnil Gupta is an author, speaker, and relationship coach. In this episode he shares how to authentically give during difficult times.
062 Charlie The Spaniard Brenneman - World's Toughest Life-Long Learner
April 02, 2021 20:11 - 26 minutes - 8.74 MBCharlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman is a former junior high Spanish teacher, UFC fighter, and reality show winner. He is a professional speaker, an author of two books, and the host of his own podcast show. In this episode he shares his story of leaving the classroom to become a professional MMA fighter.
061 Grant Baldwin - Do the next right thing, Living in an uncertain world
April 02, 2021 20:07 - 22 minutes - 7.44 MBGrant Baldwin is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. In this episode he shares how he transitioned from being a youth pastor to making a living as a professional speaker, the ups and downs of running a business, and his advice for youth facing an uncertain future.
060 Amber Harper - 8 Steps to Go from Burned-Out to BURNED-IN
April 02, 2021 18:45 - 25 minutes - 8.57 MBAmber Harper is an author, educator, Google Certified Trainer, Teacher Burnout Coach, and podcast host. In this episode she describes teacher burn out and outlines eight steps for going from burned-out to burned-in.
059 Scott Harvey - Technology safety and opportunities for students
April 02, 2021 18:38 - 26 minutes - 8.76 MBScott Harvey is a former FBI trained hostage negotiator and public information officer that has taught thousands of D.A.R.E classes. Now he is a business owner, a keynote speaker, and podcast host. In this episode he discusses the technology trends impacting students right now and how they can actually benefit by utilizing technology to network and build a brand.
058 Rich Bontrager - How to rock the virtual stage
April 02, 2021 18:30 - 40 minutes - 12.6 MBRich “Trigger” Bontrager spent 30 years as a sports broadcaster, talk-show host, and now as a keynote speaker. In this episode he teaches how to rock the virtual stage, sharing tips on how to effectively utilize zoom to teach and communicate with students and parents.
057 James Pedersen - Remote Learning and Emergency Transition to Remote Schooling
April 02, 2021 18:18 - 27 minutes - 9.07 MBDr. James Pedersen is Superintendent for the Essex County Schools of Technology in New Jersey. In this episode he shares how his district transitioned to remote learning and what opportunities exist for going virtual in the future. He shares some cool ideas around virtual scavenger hunts, field trips, and orientations.
056 Christopher Willard - Reducing student stress through mindfulness
April 02, 2021 18:10 - 25 minutes - 8.53 MBDr. Christopher Willard is a psychologist, speaker, educational consultant, and a teacher at the Harvard Medical School. In this episode he explains why stress is such an issue in schools today and what we can do as teachers to be more mindful in the classroom. He leads us through some breathing exercises and explains why regulated breathing is so important.
055 Jerald Barris - How perserverance can get you through a pandemic
April 02, 2021 17:51 - 26 minutes - 8.82 MBDr. Jerald Barris is a high school principal at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. In this episode he explains the opportunities and silver linings that he observed during the pandemic, shares the importance of clear, concise communication, and ideas for social interaction in a virtual world.
054 Joe Bremgartner - Why we need compassion and kindness right now
April 02, 2021 17:35 - 16 minutes - 5.97 MBJoe Bremgartner is an associate superintendent in human resources for the Fontana (CA) unified school district. In this episode he shares ideas for preparing for the future and setting yourself and your school up for success.
053 Niki Spears - The Beauty Underneath the Struggle
April 02, 2021 17:09 - 19 minutes - 6.8 MBNiki Spears is an author, speaker, and co-founder of The Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey. In this episode she shares the struggle she experienced as a teacher and school principal and what teachers can do to find the beauty underneath the struggle. We also talk about the book writing process.
052 Dali Rivera - How to talk to your students about bullying
April 02, 2021 17:04 - 42 minutes - 13.2 MBDali Rivera is an U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and parent. She’s also the creator of the Anti-Bullying & Diversity Academy (DABA). In this episode she recounts her own childhood experiences with bullying and offers up suggestions for how parents and teachers can address bullying with their kids.
051 Kevin Goralczyk - The value of teacher contact time with students (Teacher PD)
April 02, 2021 16:43 - 30 minutes - 9.97 MBKevin Goralczyk is the principal at Michigan City high school. In this episode he talks about the importance of having an actual classroom teacher and how teachers now facing online or hybrid instruction can continue to have meaningful contact with students and parents.