Best Nicholas Weaver Podcasts (2025)

1
David Shier Part 3: Hollow Answers 1:05:21

1d ago1:05:21

1:05:21

Over the past two weeks, you’ve heard the story of David Shier, who vanished from Trinidad, Colorado, in February 2022, and the exhaustive search that followed. Despite the urgency, no clues surfaced. Dave's family was forced to reexamine every detail, lead, and possibility. On the morning of Dave's disappearance, he asked his wife to drive him to …

1
Authentic Leadership in Action: Marlon Styles Brags About What’s Right in Public Education 55:16

7d ago55:16

55:16

🎙️Join us on An Imperfect Leader with trailblazing Marlon Styles!🎙️ This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we get to feature Marlon Styles, former Superintendent of Middletown City School District (OH) and current Partner at the Learner Center Collaborative. 🏫💼 🏆 Named K12 Dive’s Superintendent of the Year in …

1
David Shier Part 2: Graveyard of Secrets 1:03:44

8d ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Last week, in Part 1 of David Shier’s story, you heard about his sudden and unexplained disappearance from Trinidad, Colorado, on February 11, 2022. Dave’s wife recalled that he asked her to drive him somewhere because a person had called about a property. She didn’t know more than that, but Dave was frustrated with her because she already had plan…

1
Crisis to Clarity: Essential Lessons for Superintendents from Communications Expert Veronica Sopher 57:39

14d ago57:39

57:39

This week, we had an incredibly conversation with Veronica Sopher, an award-winning media-trained public information officer and founder of Veronica Sopher K12 Communications Consulting. With 25+ years of experience counseling school leaders, Veronica shared invaluable wisdom on navigating the complexities of educational leadership. 🏫💡 We delved in…

1
David Shier Part 1: A Walk into the Unknown 1:16:42

15d ago1:16:42

1:16:42

On February 11, 2022, David Shier disappeared from his home in Trinidad, Colorado. That morning, his wife, Rosemarie, saw him around 11 a.m. before she left home to run some errands. When she returned later that day, David was gone. She tried calling him, but he didn’t answer. She also reached out to friends and family, but no one had seen or heard…

1
Replay: Ian Eckles Part 3 - The Broken Window 1:04:58

20d ago1:04:58

1:04:58

This episode originally aired July 5, 2021. This episode originally aired July 5, 2021. Ian Eckles was last seen on May 16, 2020, as he left his home for a hunting trip in the mountains of Washington. He never met up with his friend as planned, and after days of no contact, a massive search began. The effort intensified when Ian’s vehicle was spott…

1
Replay: Ian Eckles Part 2 - The Manhunt 1:02:19

21d ago1:02:19

1:02:19

This episode originally aired on June 29, 2021. By May 23, 2020, 41-year-old Ian Eckles had been missing for a week. He had made plans to go hunting with a friend, but never showed up at their meeting spot. When he failed to report to work the next day, concern quickly turned into alarm. Ian’s family and friends launched a desperate search across t…

1
Replay: Ian Eckles Part 1 - The Hunting Trip 52:54

22d ago52:54

52:54

This episode originally aired on June 28, 2021. 41-year-old Ian Eckles was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and spending time in the wilderness. So when he planned a weekend hunting trip near Liberty, Washington, with a friend, it seemed like nothing out of the ordinary. But when his friend arrived at their meeting spot deep in the national …

1
What 30+ Years in the Superintendency Taught Dr. Dennis Peterson About Leadership Today 53:54

24d ago53:54

53:54

In this week’s episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent Dr. Dennis Peterson to explore the shifting landscape of school leadership over the decades. 👇 💡 Key Insights: 🔄 Leadership Has Evolved: From autocratic to inclusive, with school boards now at the center of decision-mak…

1
The Power of Wholehearted Leadership with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 55:29

28d ago55:29

55:29

🌟 The Power of Wholehearted Leadership: 4 Key Insights from Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 🌟 In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we have an incredible conversation with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy. Some key takeaways from our conversation include: 📖 1. Stories Are …

1
John "Brent" McGhee 1:13:12

29d ago1:13:12

1:13:12

On July 11, 2024, 42-year-old John Brent McGhee disappeared from Leachville, Arkansas. Brent was last seen by his mother when she dropped him off at his cousin’s house. A short time later, he left on foot, reportedly to look for his wife. According to eyewitness accounts, Brent made it to the home of his wife’s best friend, but he was not allowed i…

1
Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno and How Schools Make Race: What They Miss by Staying in "Sesame Street" 48:53

1M ago48:53

48:53

This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we talk with UCLA's Dr. Laura Chavez Moreno, author of "How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America". Dr. Chavez Moreno's work challenges us to think beyond superficial approaches to racial identity in schools. Here are three key themes and insights fr…

1
Replay: Jimmy Don Robinson 1:19:37

1M ago1:19:37

1:19:37

On the night of October 1, 1976, just one week after celebrating his 21st birthday, Jimmy Don Robinson vanished from Elmore City, Oklahoma. Though he no longer lived at the family home, Jimmy stopped by around midnight. His mother had just returned from a late shift and was preparing dinner. Jimmy chatted briefly with his family, and during that ti…

1
Beyond the Checklist: Jill Molli and Leading School Culture with a Conscious Bullseye 51:21

1M ago51:21

51:21

🚀 New episode alert! 🎧 Tune into the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast featuring Jill Molli, Chief Growth Officer for Conscious Discipline. We had a truly insightful conversation about how conscious leadership can drive significant culture shifts in education! Here are a few key takeaways from our dis…

1
Larry Riegel Part 2: Dusting off the Case 59:23

1M ago59:23

59:23

Last week, we brought you Part 1 of Larry Riegel’s story. You learned about Larry’s life, career, and sudden disappearance from Yakima, Washington, around Christmas in 2009. On Christmas morning, Larry spoke with his mother, and around 4 PM that afternoon, he had a conversation with his son, Brian. But when Brian called back later that evening, Lar…

1
Restorative Practices for School Leaders to Embed Systems & Shift Adult Culture with Nicholas Bradford 59:57

2M ago59:57

59:57

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Nicholas Bradford, Founder and Executive Director of the National Center for Restorative Justice. Nicholas is also the co-author of A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice in Schools: Practical Philosophy, Useful Tools, and True Sto…

1
Larry Riegel Part 1: Shifting Narratives 1:10:04

2M ago1:10:04

1:10:04

It was Christmas 2009 when 57-year-old Lawrence Riegel vanished from Yakima, Washington. Larry had plans to visit his family the day after Christmas, but he never showed up, which was completely out of character for Larry. He was known for always arriving with his famous peach pie in hand. At the time, Larry was living with his girlfriend, Ladena, …

1
How This Principal Fixed a Failing School Culture to Hit the Top 5% - Amy Galloway 53:44

2M ago53:44

53:44

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Dr. Amy Galloway, former principal, state education leader, and co-founder of Pivot School Improvement Leaders. As a school leader, Amy led one of Tennessee’s most dramatic school turnarounds, moving a neighborhood school in Nashville…

1
Nicholas Downey 1:02:12

2M ago1:02:12

1:02:12

In late February 2023, 37-year-old Nicholas Downey rented a car in Florida to visit his wife in Mississippi. While he made it there safely, the visit was brief, as Nick needed to return to Florida and drop off the rental car. During his drive home, he spoke to his wife one last time. After that call, he vanished without a trace. Nick's disappearanc…

1
Speaking the Same Language: Communication Strategies for Bridging Divides with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss 1:08:43

2M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Lori Weigel, Principal at New Bridge Strategy, and Jonathan Voss, Former-Partner at Lake Research Partners and Founder of Voss Research and Strategy. Two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum who are united by a common mission: to help…

1
Replay: Sandy Rea 1:05:05

2M ago1:05:05

1:05:05

This episode originally aired on April 6, 2020. On the night of September 19, 1984, 17-year-old Sandy Rea was last seen at the Windsor Bowling Alley in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Her cousin, who was working there at the time, had a brief conversation with her. Sandy then made a phone call, though it’s still unclear who she contacted. Sandy mentioned to her…

1
Innovation Lessons for School Leaders to Build Real Student Agency with Josh Reppun 1:06:03

2M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Josh Reppun, host and Global Community Director of What School Could Be. Josh, a former history teacher turned educational innovator, shares his journey of challenging traditional education models. Through his work with the What Schoo…

1
Joseph "Joe Lupo" Rulli Part 2: Escape or Execution? 1:04:37

2M ago1:04:37

1:04:37

Last week, we shared Part 1 of Joseph “Joe Lupo” Rulli’s story. You learned about his rise in the boxing world at a young age, his battle with Polio that tragically ended his career too soon, and Joe’s eventual rise within the mafia. For a while, things were looking good for Joe, but by April of 1971, a mafia turf war was raging. Several of Joe’s a…

1
From Controversy to Collaboration: Co-designing Education in Anacortes with Dr. Justin Irish 57:15

3M ago57:15

57:15

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent of the Anacortes School District in Washington and a former principal at Edmonds School District. Dr. Justin Irish shares how systems thinking, co-design, and meaningful partnerships have helped his district navigate …

1
Joseph "Joe Lupo" Rulli Part 1: A Marked Man 1:01:03

3M ago1:01:03

1:01:03

On April 20, 1971, 39-year-old Joseph Rulli, also known as Joe Lupo, mysteriously disappeared from Closter, New Jersey. That day, Joe was hosting a party when he stepped out briefly for an errand but never returned, prompting his wife to report him missing. Days later, Joe's car was discovered in Jersey City, riddled with bullet holes and stained w…

1
Cultural Frameworks for K-8 Leaders to Build Equity and Cut Suspensions with Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower 46:55

3M ago46:55

46:55

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower, the 2023 Arizona Superintendent of the Year and the 2024 Voice for Equity Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Hightower, who recently retired from her role as the superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School Distri…

1
Cynthia Robison 1:07:22

3M ago1:07:22

1:07:22

In September 2007, 38-year-old Cynthia Robison left Stockton, California, in the company of a truck driver. The two traveled to Florida, and it’s documented that they were there in early to mid-October. On October 15, Cynthia called her mother, Carolyn, from Connecticut, sounding frantic. She claimed to have witnessed the truck driver shoot someone…

1
How Student Leadership & Community Engagement Are Transformative for Schools with Michelle Caulfield 52:13

3M ago52:13

52:13

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Caulfield, Superintendent of the Corning-Painted Post Area School District in Corning, New York. Michelle shares how her district is expanding access to opportunities by centering student voice, investing in innovative programs, and building…

1
Nicholas Marion Part 2: Breaking Point 57:51

3M ago57:51

57:51

Last week, we brought you Part 1 of Nicholas Marion’s story, and you learned about his life growing up in the Orlando, Florida, area and his eventual move to British Columbia after marrying a woman from there. After relocating, the distance between Nick and his loved ones in the U.S. seemed to widen. In retrospect, Nick appeared increasingly isolat…

1
Unlocking Communication: Moises Morgenstern of Empat Speech on Bridging the Speech Therapy Gap 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Moises Morgenstern, co-founder and CEO of Empat Speech, a leading platform that connects schools with experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Moises shares how his company is improving access to speech therapy using technology, addressing th…

1
Nicholas Marion Part 1: Beneath the Surface 1:03:56

3M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

On the morning of June 30, 2024, at around 6:30 AM, 38-year-old Nicholas Marion left a property he was staying at in Youbou, British Columbia, to go for a walk. However, Nick never returned, and his phone was left behind, making it impossible to contact him. Nick, along with his wife Dory, had traveled to Youbou, a peaceful community nestled along …

1
Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk and the Power of Clear Communication During Challenges 1:04:30

3M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sandy Husk, former interim superintendent of Portland Public Schools, and Dr. Kim Armstrong, the district’s current superintendent. These two remarkable leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning leadership, navigating budg…

1
Charissa "Hazel Grace" Caster Part 2: Through the Cracks 1:00:19

4M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Last week, we shared Part 1 of Charissa Caster’s story. You learned that in July 2024, Charissa vanished without a trace. Her belongings were discovered along a roadside in Edmonds, Washington, prompting law enforcement to notify her family. Days later, her car was found abandoned approximately 50 miles away in Sequim, Washington. Surveillance foot…

1
How Going Phone-Free Increased Student Focus and Improved School Culture with Damian McBeath 50:44

4M ago50:44

50:44

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Damian McBeath, Principal of the John Wallis Church of England Academy. As an experienced school leader and author, Damian brings a wealth of knowledge on education reform, leadership, and the evolving role of schools in shaping students beyond academi…

1
Charissa "Hazel Grace" Caster Part 1: Chaos Puzzle 1:12:59

4M ago1:12:59

1:12:59

In late July 2024, 32-year-old Charissa Caster vanished under mysterious circumstances, leaving behind a trail of unsettling clues. Her disappearance came to light when her belongings were found scattered along a roadway in Edmonds, Washington. Shortly after, her car was discovered abandoned near Sequim, WA, roughly 50 miles away. The last confirme…

1
AI in education and navigating a school through crises with Dr. Curtis Cain 51:42

4M ago51:42

51:42

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Curtis Cain, Superintendent of the Rockwood School District and 2022's National Superintendent of the Year. With decades of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Cain offers deep insights into navigating the complexities of leading a major scho…

1
Replay: Toby Anderson 1:08:53

4M ago1:08:53

1:08:53

At just 16 years old, Toby Anderson found himself tangled in a web of trouble. His teenage years were marked by hardship, pushing him to act out in ways that strained his relationships. Sent to a juvenile facility in Northern California, Toby was shuffled between different family members, struggling to find stability. Then, without warning, he vani…

1
Lee Loving's Guide to Asking the Right Questions - Including What Might Happen if I Close the School's Library? 😬 48:29

4M ago48:29

48:29

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, our guest is Lee Loving, Superintendent of the North Santiam School District in Stayton, Oregon! In our conversation, Lee shares insightful perspectives on leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. Listen in as we discuss: Connection: The importance …

1
Shannon Merry 1:06:39

4M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

It was Easter Sunday in 2013 when Shannon Merry's family last heard from her. During a phone call with her mother, who was in North Carolina while Shannon was in Ronkonkoma, New York, they had a disagreement, and the conversation ended on a sour note. After the call, Shannon's mother did not hear from her again and assumed that her daughter was ups…

1
Marcus Chambers on Community, Relationships, and Post-Pandemic Realities 55:53

4M ago55:53

55:53

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Marcus Chambers shares his insights on leadership, community, and navigating the challenges in education today. Here are three key takeaways: A+ School District: Superintendent Chambers explains Okaloosa County's focus on being an "A+ school district" ➕, emphasizing…

1
Roberta Michels-Hopkins 1:06:09

4M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

In February of 1981, Roberta Michels-Hopkins, a 29-year-old mother of two, disappeared from Camden, New Jersey, without a trace. The story goes that she left her home, heading out to buy a pack of cigarettes, and never returned. Roberta's sister said she received a phone call from the man Roberta was in a relationship with, asking if she had seen o…

1
Beyond Best Practices: Earl Franks on "Next Practices" and the Future of Elementary Education 55:23

5M ago55:23

55:23

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we had the pleasure of speaking with Earl Franks, the Executive Director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). We explored some critical themes for today's educational leaders: 🤝 The Power of Collaboration: Earl emphasizes how crucial it is for educational organizations to work …

1
Tamala "Nikki" Wells 1:02:34

5M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

In early August 2012, 33-year-old Tamala “Nikki” Wells vanished from her Detroit, Michigan, home under mysterious circumstances, leaving her family in a state of confusion and despair. The last person to see Tamala, her boyfriend, claims she drove off from their home on the evening of August 6th in a white 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix, but after that, s…

1
Rethinking Grades: Joe Feldman on Creating Fair and Motivating Learning Environments 54:30

5M ago54:30

54:30

On this week's podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Feldman, the founder and CEO of Crescendo Education Group, about equitable grading practices. 🍎 It was an insightful conversation, and here are three key things I'm taking away: Traditional grading often undermines learning: Many teachers receive little to no training on grading. As a…

1
Jeremy Lawrence 57:25

5M ago57:25

57:25

On August 20, 2023, 39-year-old Jeremy Lawrence visited his girlfriend and newborn daughter at St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, Minnesota. After spending time with them, he left the hospital around 5:30 PM, planning to ride his ATV roughly 70 miles to his parents' home in Mountain Iron, Minnesota. About an hour later, around 6:30 PM, he was see…

1
A Walk in Their Kicks: Dr. Aaron Johnson and School Environments That Value All 56:53

5M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we get to sit down with Dr. Aaron Johnson, leader, author, and professor. Here are some takeaways from our conversation: 🗣️ Humanizing Students: It's so crucial to allow students to be themselves, express their opinions, and share what they like and dislike about sc…

1
Darrel Johnson Part 2: Triangle Beneath the Stars 53:37

5M ago53:37

53:37

In late June 2024, Darrel Johnson traveled from Phoenix to a remote state park in northeastern New Mexico with 33 other campers. They were celebrating the birthday of a woman’s daughter, who some described as Darrel’s girlfriend while others referred to her simply as a friend. Reports indicate that Darrel arrived at the campground around 11 AM on J…

1
Beyond the Arena: Melissa Sonnek's Journey in Education and Equity 58:22

5M ago58:22

58:22

This powerful conversation dives deep into leadership, equity, and creating inclusive educational spaces. Melissa, Associate Superintendent at Roseville Area Schools, shared invaluable lessons that are a must for any leader. Here's a quick recap: 💪 Courageous Leadership: Melissa emphasizes the need to challenge inequity head-on. 🌱 Identity & Achiev…

1
Darrel Johnson Part 1: Where the Trail Ends 56:27

5M ago56:27

56:27

On June 28, 2024, Darrel Johnson left his home in Phoenix, Arizona, and traveled to Conchas Lake State Park in New Mexico to join a group of over 30 people camping there for a birthday celebration. The group arrived and settled into their campsite. According to those camping with him, Darrel was last seen around 11 PM that night. However, a fellow …

1
An Imperfect Leader: Michelle Osterhoudt on Connection, Community, and Courage 57:42

6M ago57:42

57:42

📢 Exciting new episode of An Imperfect Leader! 📢 I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Michelle Osterhoudt, Superintendent of Margaretville Central Schools, and it was an incredibly insightful conversation! Here are some of the key themes: Rethinking Traditional Education 🏫: Michelle shared her personal experience with her daughter's struggl…

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Nicholas Weaver Podcasts

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