{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Assistant Principal Podcast","title":"Small Practices to Live and Lead Better with Mara Almond","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3310,"description":"316: Small Practices to Live and Lead Better\n\nNote: Most of these notes are ai generated from a transcript of the show.\n\nSponsor Spot 1:So, when it comes to student travel, I get why it can feel like a big lift. That’s why I always point people toward Kaleidoscope Adventures. They’ve been doing this for more than 30 years, and they understand what schools actually need - clear communication, strong organization, and a plan that works. They handle the details, so you’re not left piecing it all together yourself. If you’ve been on the fence about planning a trip, now is the time to reach out to my friends at Kaleidoscope Adventures. Visit mykatrip.com today and get your free quote today. Kaleidoscope Adventures – Travel Beyond Expectations.\n\nOpening and Context\nFrederick opens by noting that asking for help is itself a leadership lesson, and introduces Mara as a long-time collaborator returning to the show . Both acknowledge having a difficult morning, and frame their conversation as an example of drawing energy from human connection .\n\nCelebrations\nFrederick celebrates a speed dating activity he ran with Darren Pepperd at the Innovative Schools Summit in Nashville, where over 200 school leaders participated in four rounds of 60 to 90 second paired conversations. He highlights the visible energy and human connection generated by the exercise .\nMara celebrates completing her last shift at the YMCA, where she had worked since moving to the Greensboro area to build community. She reflects on having met her personal goal of forming local connections .\n\nHabit 1 - Gratitude List (Mara)\nMara recommends starting each day by writing three to five things you are grateful for, describing it as a simple, research-backed practice that sets a positive tone. She credits a keynote by Kim Strobel at the NCMLE conference as the inspiration and notes she has maintained the habit since . Frederick adds that the practice helps him appreciate small, everyday moments rather than waiting...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/R9NMe_5dyHuYObgJIvbL7uDONkSHVV41r7Q-QyBj5Y8/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzE1MDYzLzE2MzEx/ODcxMjItYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}