The Out of the Trenches Podcast

Dennis is an elementary school speech pathologist, singer-songwriter and author. For over 20 years Dennis has had the joy and honor of working with children in public schools and through non profit work. In 2018, he launched his authorship, bringing children’s stories integrating social emotional wholeness, language enrichment, critical thinking, conflict resolution and character development to life. His published works so far are “Bello the Cello”, “My Wild First Day of School”, and “How Grizzly Found Gratitude”. He is also a singer-songwriter with a published music album for schools called, “The Let’s Roar Experience”.

Through his books and music Dennis has reached tens of thousands of students worldwide since 2018.

Find Dennis online at: www.booksbydennis.com @storiesbydennis Twitter @booksbydennis IG FB: DennisMatthew

He eagerly looks forward to hearing from you, to work with your school community to spread joy through story and song!

Chicago native Michael Fosberg has spoken at nearly a thousand high schools, colleges, government agencies, corporations, law firms and not-for-profits since 2005, utilizing his award-winning autobiographical story, told in the form of a one-man play, as an entry point for meaningful dialogues on race and identity. He has collaborated with a number of professional diversity practitioners on programs to foster deeper dialogue in corporate settings and at educational institutions. His work with groups such as The Boeing Company, United Way Worldwide, PNC Financial Services, Proctor & Gamble, The U.S. Dept. of the Treasury, and The Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency is reshaping the way organizations talk about race, identity and diversity. Michael has been a frequent guest in the media speaking on these issues, and his latest book, Nobody Wants to Talk About It; Race, Identity and the Difficulties in Forging Meaningful Conversations offers readers seven important tools to engage in authentic dialogue. In 2011 he published his memoir; Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race and Self-Discovery and he has just launched a series of unique virtual e-learning programs utilizing his award-winning play as the entry point for delving into uncomfortable conversations.

Find Michael online: https://incognitotheplay.com/ LinkedIn @MichaelFosberg & IG: @incognitotheplay

Brad Dude was born in Joliet, Illinois in 1948 and grew up in Buena Park, California. In 1970 he joined the Peace Corps in Micronesia as a Volunteer English teacher and then served as a staff member in both Samoa and Micronesia. Since then, Brad has spent the past 40 years in the field of international development, training and consulting. Brad has co-authored two books and published three others on the value of personal temperament and its influence on self-awareness, professional relationships, leadership and productivity. He holds a journalism degree from Northern Illinois University. He currently conducts seminars on temperament and leadership while continuing his writing efforts. As the owner of Brad Dude & Associates, Inc., Brad continues to work and partner with colleagues at Next Level Consulting, the Ascend Development Group and other organizations to provide consulting and training services for his clients. Brad recently served as a co-coordinator of an executive leadership training program for government employees from Micronesia and Polynesia. He is also a principal in Devbizexperts, a new company that provides services to non-profits, government, and private sector organizations. Brad lives in New Orleans with his wife, Sue. He has one son and three grandsons.

Find Brad online at: www.braddude.com all other social on his website 40 Ways of Figuring out Your Boss- which is a good resource for teachers.

LinkedIn: Brad Dude LinkedIn Group: Temperament and Leadership Network Twitter: @bdude1 YouTube Channel: Leadership and Temperament Channel Facebook Group: Temperament and Leadership Amazon Author Page: Brad Dude Amazon

Jen Schwanke has been an educator for 24 years, teaching or leading at all levels. She is the author of three ASCD books, including the just-released, "The Teacher's Principal: How School Leaders Can Support and Motivate Their Teachers." She has written and presented for multiple state and local education organizations, and has provided professional development to various districts in the areas of school climate, personnel, and instructional leadership. She is an instructor in educational administration at Miami University and is a doctoral candidate at The Ohio State University. She currently serves as a Deputy Superintendent in Ohio.

More information can be found on her website: www.jenschwanke.com and on Twitter @jenschwanke

Dr. Sheka Houston and Principal Tammy Taylor are best-selling contributing authors of "Women Who Lead in Education Featuring School Principals", Volume 3, 2nd edition. They are also co-founders of Create and Educate, LLC an education and literary firm that offers resources to schools to include, professional development and a catalog of culturally relevant book titles for school-age children from independent authors. The school leaders have 40 years of experience in education between the two of them with experience in charter school start-ups, as well as, instituting AVID and Leader in Me as school initiatives. In addition, the duo, were the recipients of the South Carolina Palmetto Silver Award for academic growth, moved two and three report card levels in one year, won the Palmetto State Arts Education Steam School of Excellence Award, and Teacher of the year.

After experiencing tremendous academic growth, NWEA conducted a case study that is featured on their website. Most recently Dr. Houston and Principal Taylor have a new book they are promoting, "It Doesn’t have to be Lonely at the Top: The Power of Collaboration in Leadership", that outlines their story of resiliency in their leadership journey. Their weekly Facebook Live Series, The R.E.A.L.L Academy outlines training from their framework.

They also host The Collaborative, the first Tuesday of each month bringing educators, parents, community members and authors together to solve problems in education.

Find Sheka & Tammy at https://www.createandeducate.solutions/ can connect on FB, YouTube @shekahoustin & LinkedIn; Tammy can be found on LinkedIn & Twitter

Vicky Weber is a musician and an elementary educator with a love for children’s literature. As a Puerto Rican author of Taíno descent, she strives to create picture books that are fun, engaging, and educational. All her current titles are based on her background in music education or her heritage. Though she's no longer in the classroom, she's one of the coaches at At Home Author where she teaches others how to become successfully published too.

Find Vicki online: https://www.athomeauthor.com/ www.trunckupbooks.com

https://www.facebook.com/TrunkUpBooks

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJf4v7TsaDU01SCYvSHfiDg

https://www.instagram.com/vickyweberbooks/

Jen Schwester, aka Jennyzenyoga, has been providing yoga services and trainings to many underserved populations for over four years, including special needs adults, senior citizens, first responders, and her high school French classes. Jennifer brings her 24 years experience as a French teacher to the mat. She has been practicing yoga for the past 8 years and expanded her practice by becoming a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200).

Jennifer is currently completing the next 300 hours of Yoga Teacher Training with My Vinyasa Practice in Austin, Texas to become a RYT-500. She is also an Instructor for Yoga For First Responders and a Teacher for the Veterans Yoga Project. She has presented Mindfulness, Meditation, Chair Yoga, and SEL workshops for various school districts as well as many state, regional, and national language teacher associations as well as half and full-day workshops for school districts and CEU classes for NJ EMT providers. When Jennifer is not at high school or on her mat and offering Yoga Classes, she is walking her dogs in the fresh air and at the beach!

Follow Jen online on Twitter: @JenniferSchwes2 IG: @jennyplage

FB: jennyzenyoga Website: www.jennyzenyoga.com

Jeannie Morivtz Smith is the founder of Dynamism Leadership, formerly HR-Rx, a Leadership Mindset and Organization Development Consulting firm established in 2005. Prior to becoming CEO, she held Executive Leadership roles at a variety of organizations. Now with over three decades of personal and professional experience, Jeannie has helped thousands of leaders learn how to take charge of the catabolic thoughts and feelings that control their mindset and replace them with anabolic energy. Jeannie holds certifications in Leadership Coaching, Energy Leadership, & Human Management, as well as a Master of Science degree in Human Resources. Jeannie's clients state that she has helped them enhance their relationships, both personally and professionally, with themselves and others to enhance connection, attract & retain top talent, and make massive profits.

Find Jeannie online: https://sociatap.com/JeannieSmithHRRx - all her social links and visit her website: www.dynamismleadership.com

Peter Docker is a keynote speaker and facilitator who presents around the world to inspire people to lead from the jumpseat. He worked alongside Simon Sinek for more than 7 years, co-authoring the book Find Your Why, and now draws on his 25 years of experience in the Royal Air Force to help organizations around the world build capacity for leadership. Peter teaches people how to navigate the challenge of leadership. His latest book, Leading from the Jumpseat, delivers the message that leadership is about lifting people up and giving them the space they need so that, when the time is right, they can take the lead. Formerly a founding Igniter at Simon Sinek Inc., Peter draws on his career in the Royal Air Force, and over 14 years spent partnering with businesses around the world, to inspire others to Lead from the Jumpseat.

Visit his website, www.LeadingFromTheJumpseat.com and Follow Peter on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter @PeterDocker

Dan Edwards is an Education and Business speaker, UNConferencer, Consultant and Writer. He has worked in education for many years and have held leadership roles in both the secondary and primary sectors. Most recently, holding the role of Principal for five years at a large inner-city primary school until finally moving into Executive leadership. Throughout his journey of leading change, he has amplified the need for staff development, care, and well-being for all to achieve and sustain positive organizational culture. Coupled with the need to ensure consultation runs through the heart of any organization - giving everyone a voice. With extensive senior leadership experience in business, education and industry, he works with organizations that want to do things differently. In addition to his work as an independent consultant, he is a regular columnist for a number of publications sharing my views and guidance on leadership, organizational culture and creativity and he's currently writing his first book to be published internationally in November 2022.

Find Dan on Twitter: @danedwards_77   IG: @im_danedwards                        LinkedIn also Visit his website: www.imdanedwards.com