On this episode of Marty Takes the Mic, host Marty Silverman sits down with Dr. Billy Snow for a powerful conversation titled From Falling to Flourishing. Together, they explore what it truly takes to lead struggling schools through meaningful change—starting with psychological safety, trust, and collaboration.

Dr. Snow breaks down why sustainable school improvement happens with educators, not to them, sharing real-world examples of building culture, co-creating systems, and shifting from checkbox evaluations to relationship-driven coaching. He also delivers an encouraging pep talk for newly appointed principals, reminding leaders that lasting impact requires both the heart and the mind—clear systems, strong structures, and a deep reconnection to purpose.

This episode is a must-listen for principals, district leaders, and instructional coaches looking to build safe, supportive environments where educators—and students—can truly flourish.

Reigniting your passion is only the beginning. In Part 2, Erika Garza, Vanikin Sanders Leggett, and Tanya Alarcon take the conversation deeper—focusing on how principals can sustain their energy, protect their purpose, and lead with intention amid constant pressure. This session moves from inspiration to application, offering practical tools and mindset shifts that help you stay grounded, motivated, and effective long after the session ends.

Feeling the weight of the principalship? It’s easy for passion to fade under the demands of daily leadership. In this session, Erika Garza, Vanikin Sanders Leggett, and Tanya Alarcon guide you in rediscovering the excitement and purpose that drew you to school leadership in the first place. Through practical strategies, real-world stories, and reflective exercises, you’ll leave inspired, energized, and ready to lead with renewed passion.

In this special takeover episode of Love, Sweat, and Tears, guest host Martin Silverman sits down with three dynamic Montana school leaders — John “Johnny Montana” Conan, Travis Niemeyer, and Brian Miller — for a deep dive into one of the most powerful drivers of school success: staff culture.

Together, they explore how staff rooms and shared spaces can either drain morale or build a thriving, positive community. The conversation unpacks why some spaces become centers of negativity, how “toxic empathy” shows up in schools, and what leaders can do to transform staff interactions into solution-focused, encouraging, and relationship-rich moments.

Listeners will hear practical strategies on:

• Building trust through daily walk-throughs and morning check-ins

• Learning personal details to strengthen connections with staff

• Shifting from venting to problem-solving

• Designing intentional staff spaces that promote belonging

• Leading with presence — not just managing from the office

Packed with stories, real-world examples, and honest reflection, this episode is a must-listen for principals, superintendents, APs, and anyone passionate about creating a school culture where people feel seen, supported, and valued.

The Principal’s Playlist: Culture – Part 2 dives deeper into the everyday habits that shape positive school culture. Gerrie Spellmann and Todd Nesloney share simple but meaningful strategies—like handwritten notes, warm welcomes, and intentional moments of connection—that help every student and staff member feel valued. It’s a practical look at how authentic leadership creates a culture that lasts.

In The Principal’s Playlist: Culture, Gerrie Spellmann and Todd Nesloney explore simple, powerful ways to build a school where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. From handwritten notes to student greeters, discover how authentic leadership creates lasting campus culture.

Get ready for a powerful takeover of Love, Sweat & Tears by one of education’s most thoughtful and experienced leaders. In Marty Takes the Mic, Responsive Learning hands the mic to Martin “Marty” Silverman, a longtime educator, principal, mentor, and champion of school culture, reflection, and relational leadership.

Who is Marty Silverman?
Martin Silverman has dedicated over four decades to public education in San Antonio, Texas. He served as a teacher, bilingual educator, and eventually a principal at Salinas Elementary School, working in urban, suburban, and rural schools.

Marty is deeply passionate about nurturing school culture, supporting teachers, and developing future leaders — particularly through reflective practice, family and community connection, and building strong, inclusive environments for all students.

In this special takeover of Love, Sweat & Tears, Marty Silverman — veteran educator, principal, and author — takes the mic to share insights and strategies for school leaders. Joined by Andrea Johnson and Mark Horner

In this episode of Love, Sweat, and Tears, hosts Gerrie Spellmann and Stacey Savage discuss the importance of zero waste initiatives in schools. Stacey shares her journey from a background in the oil and gas industry to becoming a zero waste advocate, highlighting key legislative achievements and practical steps schools can take to reduce waste. The conversation emphasizes the financial benefits of waste reduction, the role of students and custodial staff in sustainability efforts, and the need for a cultural shift towards environmental responsibility in educational institutions.