{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The So What Podcast","title":"Building Belonging and Purpose Through the Portrait of an Explorer with Dana Addis","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2287,"description":"\nIn this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Dana Addis, Superintendent of Hudson City Schools in Ohio, to explore how districts can go beyond academics to shape well-rounded, purpose-driven students.\n\nWith over 30 years in education, from teacher and coach to superintendent, Dana shares how his journey shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in service, relationships, and creating meaningful student experiences. At Hudson, that philosophy comes to life through the district’s “Portrait of an Explorer”—a framework designed to develop not just strong learners, but strong humans.\n\nFrom dedicated “pillar days” to immersive service learning programs, Dana breaks down how Hudson is intentionally building belonging, empathy, and real-world skills—while still maintaining high academic performance.\n\nKey Moments\n\n\n04:04 Dana's career journey and challenges\n\n09:07 Service learning program highlights\n\n10:33 High school service learning program\n\n16:43 Tracking academic and program impact\n\n17:36 Using Panorama to measure belonging\n\n23:39 Navigating legislative challenges in education\n\n24:35 Staying positive through challenges\n\n28:26 Learning work ethic through coaching\n\n32:43 Managing school boards and staying authentic\n\n34:01 Managing relationships with the board\n\nWhy You’ll Love This Episode\n\n\nDana brings a rare combination of experience, humility, and clarity to leadership. This episode is not about flashy initiatives—it’s about doing the foundational work well: building relationships, creating meaningful student experiences, and staying grounded in service.\n\nIf you’re a superintendent, district leader, or educator navigating increasing pressure while trying to stay focused on what truly matters for students, this conversation will resonate deeply. It’s a reminder that great systems don’t just produce results—they produce people who are ready for life.\n\nConnect with Dana Addis | Superintendent, Hudson City Schools\n\n...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/8_IWhcz1UYVz_u51Qd70LxMgREGfVeVtbh_cyiQHgMk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS8yMzcw/ZDBhNTFkMjFhY2Rh/MTI1MTQyMTQzN2I0/ZDBiZC5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}