LEAP Into Wellness Podcast Network

LEAP Into Wellness Podcast Network

di EOU LEAP Lab
Salute & BenessereSalute mentale
Stagione 3
Matt Wolcott: Teaching, Coaching, and Family Life in La Grande
Matt Wolcott on Teaching, Coaching, and Finishing the School Year Strong in La Grande Brett Smith and Scott Carpenter host the Turning Point Podcast with guest Matt Wolcott, a 26-year La Grande School District educator who currently teaches high school physical education and health. Wolcott discusses additional work including teaching an officiating course to recruit young officials and helping launch the district’s driver’s education program after the regional program ended, ensuring compliance with ODOT. He outlines his coaching history as a head coach in wrestling, football, and track (now in his sixth year), and talks about the challenges of balancing teaching, coaching, and family life with four children, including coaching his own kids. The conversation highlights the busy spring schedule of field trips, testing, graduation, and state events, the flexibility required to support heavily involved students, and how students’ growth and resilience keep Wolcott motivated. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:25 End of Year School Rush 01:27 Meet Matt Wolcott 02:04 Teaching Roles and New Courses 02:58 Drivers Ed Program Story 04:03 Coaching Journey Across Sports 05:08 Balancing Coaching and Family 09:09 Coaching Your Own Kids 11:08 Springtime at the High School 16:13 Why Teaching Still Matters 18:36 Finish Strong Closing Thoughts
S3 · E22
29 apr 2026
22:49
Springtime in the Front Office: A School Secretary’s Role at Island City
Springtime in the Front Office: A School Secretary’s Role at Island City On a Friday morning Turning Point Podcast episode, the hosts talk with Island City head secretary Ms. Perry (with Mr. Carpenter) about her path from office administration work to stay-at-home parenting, then returning to school as a para and eventually becoming head secretary. They discuss the springtime rush in a school office, including field trips, awards, state testing, kindergarten roundup, year-end rollovers, Q files, and ordering supplies, while also planning the next school year. Mr. Carpenter describes how administrators and office staff manage overlapping school years, budgeting, staffing, negotiations, and district cuts. Ms. Perry explains the pressure of arranging substitutes, the learning curve of the role, confidentiality, supporting students and families in tough circumstances, and the importance of strong principal–secretary teamwork. They close by recognizing head secretaries across the district. 00:00 Podcast Welcome Banter 00:53 Diet Coke Ritual 01:37 Why Become Secretary 04:08 April Office Chaos 05:20 Two Years At Once 07:30 Sub Finder Pressure 09:04 Learning The Role 11:37 Confidential Heart Work 13:25 Admin Office Teamwork 16:54 Managing Stress Together 20:15 Shout Out Secretaries 21:24 Closing Thanks
S3 · E21
9 apr 2026
21:39
From Overwhelm to Alignment: Navigating RTI & PLCs for Effective Teaching
Turning Point Podcast: Clarifying Essential Standards and Strengthening Tier 1 Instruction Through PLC and RTI Work Host Brett Smith and assistant superintendent Scott Carpenter of the La Grande School District are joined by fourth-grade teacher Justin and visiting Solution Tree facilitator Eric from Arizona to reflect on district training focused on RTI, PLCs, and strengthening Tier 1 instruction. Scott explains the district’s shift from feeling overwhelmed by intervening on everything to prioritizing essential standards and realigning Tier 2 supports after attending an Idaho Falls RTI conference and bringing Eric to train staff. Justin shares his transition from 12 years in kindergarten to fourth grade and highlights key takeaways on learning targets and instructional clarity. Eric emphasizes “clarity precedes competence/confidence,” prevention as best intervention, and teams as the fundamental structure of the work, noting positive cultural and academic impacts. The group discusses assessment design, reducing stress around testing and finals, and the importance of vertical alignment of essential standards across grades. 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:37 How Training Began 01:37 Justin Teaching Journey 02:55 Eric Solution Tree Story 05:09 Key Takeaways Clarity 06:57 Buy In and Testing Stress 08:39 Prevention and Teams 10:16 Districtwide PLC Teamwork 13:23 Hope for Education 14:29 Next Steps Island City 16:06 Thanks and Wrap Up
S3 · E20
7 apr 2026
18:20
Weightlifting Across the Lifespan: Form, Progression, and Practical Tips for Teachers
In this episode of FIT to Teach, host Kyle Pfaffenbach (associate professor at Eastern Oregon University and director of the EOU Lab for Exercise Assessment and Performance) and LEAP intern Cole Jorgensen welcome guest Dr. Alysia Cohen (EOU health and human performance faculty member, certified athletic trainer, Olympic lifting coach, and strength and conditioning certified) to discuss resistance training across the lifespan. Cohen shares her career path through athletic training, teaching, burnout, research, and returning to EOU, with work spanning high schools, colleges, and professional sports (including rodeo). The conversation emphasizes that while training should be individualized, foundational movement principles remain similar from youth to older adults, with key distinctions around developmental milestones versus sport-performance expectations, the risks of early sport specialization, and the value of multi-sport exposure and unstructured play. Cohen highlights non-negotiables for lifting—technique and form—and explains how progression, consistency, and appropriate intensity differ by training status and age, including the importance of heavy lifting for older adults (especially women around menopause) while stressing gradual progression. They discuss practical barriers for teachers (time, resources, limited access to trainers) and strategies to improve technique independently, such as using mirrors, recording movement, and video feedback/online coaching, while noting that general fitness apps can help people move but may not deliver true strength-training overload at higher fitness levels. Cole asks about strength vs. power training (including percent 1RM concepts) and youth safety, with Cohen recommending low-load technique work pre-maturation and more intensive strength/power training post-maturation, guided by maturation rather than age. Cohen’s closing advice is to find personal meaning and enjoyment in strength training, explore resources and coaches to find a good fit, and build long-term autonomy as one’s own trainer. 00:00 Welcome to FIT to Teach + Meet the Hosts 01:01 Introducing Dr. Alysia Cohen: Why Strength Training Matters 02:45 Alysia’s Career Journey: Athletic Training to PhD & Teaching 04:53 Credentials, Coaching, and the Value of Being a Generalist 07:42 Movement Across the Lifespan: Same Basics, Individualized Progressions 10:31 Youth Sports: Milestones vs. Skill, and Why Multi-Sport Helps 13:31 Variety vs. Consistency: Building a Sustainable Exercise Routine 16:54 Repetition for Learning: How Training Changes for Youth, Athletes, and Older Adults 21:51 Rest, Play, and Recovery: Lessons for Kids and Adults 22:57 Programming for Older Adults: Start Small, Progress Smart, Train vs. Just Be Active 26:24 Getting Buy-In: Start With Movement That Feels Good 27:01 Physical Activity vs. Training: Matching Intensity to Goals 27:52 Resistance Training Across the Lifespan: The Non‑Negotiables 29:02 DIY Form Checks: Mirrors, Cues, and Video Feedback 33:01 When Technique ‘Clicks’: Building Self-Coaching Athletes 37:25 Accessible Strength Options: Apps, Classes, and the Limits of Light Weights 41:28 When Heavy Lifting Matters: Strength, Bone, and Aging (Especially Menopause) 45:45 Strength vs. Power Training for Older Adults (What’s the Difference?) 47:25 Youth Resistance Training Safety: Maturation, Loads, and Progression 50:42 Final Takeaways: Find Meaning, Enjoy the Process, and Choose the Right Coach
S3 · E19
25 feb 2026
53:09
Turning Point Podcast: Valentine’s Day Special: Educator Families, Community, and Life Behind the Scenes
On a Valentine’s Day special of the Turning Point Podcast, Mr. Carpenter and Mr. Smith are joined by their wives, Julie Carpenter and Kirsten Smith, to discuss what it’s like to build a family life around careers in education. Julie shares how she once said she’d never marry an educator, then reflects on Scott’s progression from teaching to administration, the growing pains of each role, and how school events, student activities, and athletics became family time. She describes teaching piano lessons, accompanying choir, and how their daughters Megan and Kaylee felt at home in the school community, gaining confidence and considering careers in education after seeing both the challenges and the positives. Kirsten talks about always expecting to marry an educator, their experience in Texas where Brett coached and served as an assistant principal focused on discipline at a large high-poverty high school, and how being welcomed at school activities created a second family for their kids. She emphasizes that seeing the individuals behind education—along with their time, energy, and care—has increased her trust and comfort as a parent. The couples discuss coping with stressful workdays (decompressing after work, going for drives, and shifting from “principal mode” to “dad mode”), the differences between commuting time in Texas versus living close to work in La Grande, and what they appreciate about small-town life, including relationships, community support, and opportunities for kids to participate in multiple extracurriculars. The episode ends with expressions of gratitude for their spouses’ support and a closing message to the community about recognizing educators as people with families, and how community care helps retain and attract school staff. 00:00 Welcome to the Turning Point Podcast (Valentine’s Day Special setup) 00:15 Meet the guests: Scott & Brett introduce their wives 01:35 Julie Carpenter’s ‘never say never’ + life through teaching & admin roles 03:12 Kirsten Smith’s background + favorite seasons of the educator life 04:41 How education shaped family life: kids, events, and a ‘safe space’ at school 08:44 Behind-the-scenes perspective: trusting educators & why it matters 10:50 Decompressing after hard days: stories at dinner, drives, and switching modes 14:28 Why La Grande feels like home: small-town community, relationships, and opportunities 18:33 Marriage shout-outs: gratitude for supportive partners in the educator journey 23:05 Closing message to the community: honoring educator families + sign-off
S3 · E18
23 feb 2026
24:06
Understanding Continuous Glucose Monitoring: A Detailed Discussion
In this episode of FIT to Teach, Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, an associate professor at Eastern Oregon University and the director of the EOU Lab for Exercise Assessment and Performance (LEAP), and LEAP intern Cole explore the intricacies of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). They delve into the benefits, functionality, and practical use of CGMs for monitoring health and wellness, particularly for teachers. Highlighting their new checkout program, they discuss the technological advancements that have made CGMs more accessible and useful. They share personal anecdotes and insights on how different foods and activities can affect blood glucose levels. Additionally, the importance of preventing chronic blood sugar issues through monitoring is emphasized, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to utilize CGMs effectively for improved health management. 00:00 Introduction to FIT to Teach 00:34 Overview of Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) 03:17 History and Development of CGM Technology 08:18 Using CGM: Practical Insights and Experiences 13:46 Analyzing CGM Data and Its Implications 27:32 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
S3 · E17
16 feb 2026
28:25
Turning Point Podcast: Navigating School Finance with Melissa Reagan
Navigating School Finance with Melissa Reagan - In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, host Brett Smith sits down with Assistant Superintendent Scott Carpenter and Melissa Reagan, the business director for La Grande School District. Melissa discusses her 18-year journey within the district, from starting as a fiscal officer to becoming the business manager. The conversation covers the challenges and strategies of managing school finances, including handling different grants, budgeting surprises, and the importance of aligning financial decisions with the school's mission to support students and staff. Melissa shares insights on the balance between maintaining financial stability and meeting the needs of the school community. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:25 Meet Melissa Reagan: Background and Experience 02:19 Transition to Business Manager 05:12 Challenges and Learning Experiences 09:33 Managing School Finances 19:09 The Importance of Supporting Education 21:49 Final Thoughts and Appreciation
S3 · E16
9 feb 2026
22:52
Introducing the Wearable Checkout Program for Teachers
Introducing the Wearable Checkout Program for Teachers - In this episode of FIT to Teach, co-hosts Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach from Eastern Oregon University and intern Cole Jorgensen discuss their new wearable checkout program designed to help teachers monitor and improve their health and wellness. They highlight various wearable devices such as the Oura Ring for sleep and activity tracking, continuous glucose monitors for real-time blood sugar levels, and portable heart rate variability sensors for stress management. The program, initiated in response to feedback from district wellness champions, allows educators to borrow these tools to make data-driven decisions about their health. Listeners are encouraged to take advantage of this free opportunity to gain insights into their wellness routines. 00:00 Introduction to FIT to Teach 00:31 Overview of Weekly Research Summaries 01:01 Introduction to the Wearable Checkout Program 01:48 Details of the Wearable Devices 09:53 Success Stories and Feedback 26:32 Conclusion and Contact Information
S3 · E15
2 feb 2026
28:29
Turning Point Podcast: A Journey into Kindergarten with Michelle Nett
In this episode of the Turning Point Podcast, host Brett Smith and Assistant Superintendent Scott Carpenter welcome kindergarten teacher Michelle Net from Island City School. The conversation explores Michelle's unconventional path to becoming a teacher, her methods for creating a fun and engaging classroom environment, and the importance of building strong relationships with students and their families. Michelle shares her strategies for fostering student engagement through songs, mnemonics, and positive reinforcement. She also offers advice for new teachers entering the profession. The episode highlights the challenges and rewards of teaching, underscoring the impact of dedicated educators on student success. 00:00 Welcome to the Turning Point Podcast 00:29 Ice Fishing Adventures 01:06 School District Updates 01:48 Celebrating Attendance Achievements 02:28 Meet Miss Michelle Net 03:19 Michelle's Teaching Journey 04:19 Transition to La Grande 06:35 Kindergarten Wonders 08:15 The Joys of Teaching Young Kids 10:53 Transitioning to HR and School Visits 11:53 Finding Your Sweet Spot in Teaching 12:52 Connecting with Students of All Ages 14:48 Classroom Techniques and Mnemonics 16:50 Building Classroom Community 18:18 New Beginnings and Teamwork 21:14 Advice for New Teachers 22:26 Closing Thoughts and Appreciation
S3 · E14
26 gen 2026
24:35
Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviors in Children
Promoting Healthy Eating Behaviors in Children: Insights and Strategies In this episode of 'FIT to Teach,' hosted by Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach and intern Cole Jorgensen, the discussion centers around translating evidence-based health and wellness research into practical applications for teachers and school employees. The episode explains the delay in recent content due to technical difficulties and emphasizes the importance of modeling and creating a supportive environment for healthy eating in children. The conversation also includes a deep dive into two significant research articles on healthy eating for children, covering parenting styles, food availability, and effective strategies for introducing new foods to kids. Practical tips and personal anecdotes underscore the importance of a balanced, knowledgeable approach to fostering long-term healthy habits in young family members. 00:00 Introduction to FIT to Teach 00:56 Housekeeping and Updates 02:19 New Equipment Checkout Program 05:49 Wellness Exploration and Lab Activities 08:36 Translating Healthy Eating for Families 27:03 Exploring Permissive and Uninvolved Parenting Styles 28:30 Impact of Food Availability on Children's Choices 29:06 Balancing Nutrition and Treats in the Household 30:09 Engaging Kids in Conversations About Food 34:26 The Role of Education in Children's Food Choices 40:24 Personal Experiences and Parenting Challenges 46:57 Long-term Effects of Healthy Eating Habits 48:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
S3 · E13
23 gen 2026
49:36
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