School Culture By Design

That's a Wrap!

After 142 episodes, countless conversations, and more than a decade of podcasting, Shyana Frost sits down with Phil Boyte to wrap up this chapter of the podcast.

Together, they reflect on favorite memories from the road, behind-the-scenes stories, leadership lessons that have shaped them, and the people they'll never forget. Phil also shares what continues to give him hope for education and one piece of advice he'd share with every educator wanting to create great culture.

Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or just recently joined the podcast, thank you for being part of the journey. We hope this conversation leaves you encouraged to keep putting people first.

Over the past decade, Shyana Frost has had the opportunity to work alongside incredible educators and leaders across the country alongside Phil Boyte. Through those experiences, she discovered a growing passion for supporting leaders and helping them feel seen in the midst of everything they carry.

In this episode, Phil Boyte sits down with Shyana to reflect on her journey, the lessons that shaped her, the story behind the WHAT I SEE movement, and why she's launching Tiny Moment Co.

Learn more about her new work at https://www.tinymomentco.com

In this episode, Phil Boyte sits down with Dr. Eric Nichols, an educational leader serving rural Oregon, to talk about what it takes to build a culture people want to be part of.

Eric shares why his philosophy is simple: get good people, then support the heck out of them. Whether you lead a small rural district or a large school system, the principles are the same. When people feel known, valued, and supported, they become your greatest ambassadors. As Eric says, when people are happy, they advertise the culture for you.

Join Phil and Eric for a practical conversation on building relationships, attracting great people, and creating a culture that's worth driving toward.

In this episode, Phil Boyte sits down with Assistant Superintendents David Rodriguez and Brandon Blom from Natomas Unified School District to explore what it looks like to intentionally support the leaders who support everyone else.

Together, they share how their district has built a culture where principals and assistant principals genuinely enjoy being together, trust one another, and never feel like they're leading alone. From purposeful leadership meetings and meaningful onboarding to walking alongside leaders through difficult seasons, David and Brandon offer practical ideas any district or school leader can begin implementing right away.

Whether you're a superintendent, district leader, or principal, this conversation is full of simple, intentional practices that remind us one truth: when leaders feel known, valued, and supported, they are better equipped to create thriving schools for everyone they serve.

Every school has them. The people who quietly show up, do their job well, and somehow still feel unseen.

In this episode, Phil and Shyana talk about how leaders can intentionally notice the people who may be on the edges of the culture, invite them in, learn from them, and help them know they matter.

Along the way, they share stories, practical ideas, and simple ways to create a school where no one feels invisible. Because the strongest cultures aren't built by focusing on most people—they're built by making sure everyone belongs.

In this episode, Phil Boyte sits down with Paul Nitake, Principal of North High School in Torrance, California, to explore what it looks like to build a campus culture that is truly infectious. Paul shares how his team celebrates people in meaningful ways, partners with the local community to support students and staff, and why he believes storytelling is one of the most powerful tools school leaders have to shape culture, build pride, and help people experience the heart of a school.

Whether you're wrapping up a school year, finishing a big project, or simply trying to catch your breath after a busy season… it takes intention to actually pause long enough to notice what mattered.

In this episode, Phil Boyte and Shyana Frost share 3 simple, practical ideas teams can use to slow down and reflect on the little things that often get missed along the way. From honoring progress and celebrating people to creating moments of encouragement for staff, students, and yourself… this conversation is full of tangible ways to build more hope, connection, and meaning into the everyday.

Because sometimes the smallest moments are the very things that help people keep going.

Looking for ways to honor the work your team has done and strengthen connections as the second half of the year begins? Phil and Shyana share simple, practical ideas—like photo reflections, a Souper Bowl party, and fun team activities—to celebrate wins, notice progress, and build gratitude. Slow down, connect, and start the next chapter of the year stronger—together.

Tara Schwerdt, School Counseling Coordinator in Shasta County, joins Shyana for a conversation full of clarity, warmth, and hope. Supporting counselors and ALT Ed leaders across the region, Tara shares what she's learning about believing big things for students, building trust within teams, and infusing shared humor and joy into the work.

You'll leave with simple, culture-centered ideas you can use right away—including a playful "game board" perfect for sparking connection at your next staff meeting.

Grab a copy of the game board template by visiting: https://www.learningforliving.com/culture-ideas

In this episode, Phil and Shyana talk about noticing the glimmers, the small wins and moments of good that can get lost in the busyness of the school day. They share simple ways to make noticing a habit: celebrating wins at staff meetings, sharing "Best Day Ever" stories, and prioritizing people and culture. By noticing these moments, leaders can spark energy, connection, and joy across their teams, even during the busiest weeks.

Once upon a time, Olive Chapel Elementary wasn't the school families lined up for. Today, it has a waitlist and thriving academics — thanks to the intentional leadership of Principal Ms. May and her incredible staff. In this conversation, Shyana Frost sits down with Ms. May to uncover what turned things around — from meaningful staff meetings to bringing core values to life in real ways. You'll hear how she empowers her team to dream big, stay aligned, and build a culture where every person matters. It's an inspiring look at what's possible when a leader believes in people first.

On this episode, Phil is joined by Blake Hiemstra, middle school principal at Valley Christian School in Visalia, California—leader of what his staff proudly calls The Dream Team. Blake shares powerful (and practical) ways his team keeps their culture thriving: from one-minute video shoutouts and the "Final Bell Salute" to the Awesome Cup and the Can of Awesome.

It's an inspiring look at what happens when leaders intentionally create tiny moments that make people feel seen and celebrated. As Blake reminds us, the key to great leadership (and great schools) is to pay ferocious attention—to kids, to staff, and to the little moments that matter most.

Listen in for ideas you can bring to your own campus this week—and a reminder that culture isn't built in big events, but in everyday actions that make people feel valued.

In this episode of School Culture by Design, Phil Boyte sits down with Shyana Frost, to unpack the heart behind the People First framework. They explore why leading well starts with taking care of yourself, building authentic relationships, and cultivating trust through everyday "tiny moments." From retreat stories to real-life examples of administrators transforming their schools, this conversation highlights practical ways leaders can prioritize people and create lasting impact.

When Jessica Brooks opened a brand-new school, she set out to put relationships and trust at the center. Leading from a place of resilience and a 'What If We Can' mindset, she and her team have built a culture where staff, students, and the community feel they truly belong.

Now, heading into year three, Jessica shares how this approach has transformed their school—and why strong connections are the key to lasting impact. If you need a fresh reminder of why your work on culture matters, this episode will inspire you.

With new legislation pushing cell phones out of classrooms, Phil Boyte and Jason Jedamski see a huge opportunity to build something deeper: real community. During this podcast episode, they share intentional, simple, and fun strategies that get students moving, laughing, and connecting beyond the lesson. Packed with practical ideas, this episode helps every student feel seen, heard, and truly part of the group. Ready to bring more purpose and heart to your classroom culture? This conversation is exactly what you need.

In this energizing conversation, Phil Boyte sits down with Principal Rob Sousa to unpack how he cultivates a culture of joy, connection, and service on his campus. From empowering staff to lead meetings to creating laugh-filled weekly newsletters (complete with baby name polls!), Rob shares practical strategies for building a team that feels seen, supported, and inspired. Tune in to hear how their "one heart, one mind" approach turns everyday leadership into something extraordinary.

In this episode, Dr. Jacqueline Johnson shares how she built connection and culture during her first year as principal at Lockport Township High School in Illinois. From storytelling and team retreats to monthly themed events and fun traditions like "Three Fun Facts and a Weird Thing," she's focused on making her team feel seen, supported, and human. Despite early challenges like safety incidents, Jacqueline prioritized visibility, collaboration, and joy—believing that strong relationships are the foundation of great schools.

In this vibrant and heart-filled conversation, Phil Boyte has a conversation with Bentli Lewis, a middle school principal who believes school should feel like an experience—not just for kids, but for adults, too. From inflatable dragon costumes to competitive staff egg hunts, she shares how her team creates joy and connection on campus every week. But the real magic? Her leadership philosophy centers on communication, consistency, and visibility. She opens up about earning trust after leadership turnover, hosting pulse checks, and engaging in courageous conversations—all while keeping student and staff well-being front and center. If you want your school to feel more like summer camp and less like a stress zone, this one's for you.

In this episode, Phil Boyte and Shyana Frost explore how simple pauses can create deeper connections. From a barista's unexpected kindness to a school leader's thoughtful follow-up, they share powerful stories that highlight the impact of slowing down and truly seeing people. Tune in for practical ways to bring more presence and care into your daily interactions both at home and at work.

Every interaction—whether in a meeting, hallway, or casual drop-in—should build trust, confidence, and connection. But too often, staff feel watched instead of supported. In this episode, Phil Boyte and Shyana dive into the subtle yet powerful ways leaders can transform a gotcha culture into one where staff welcome visitors with confidence. Through tiny moments of presence, intentional encouragement, and shared leadership, we explore how to build a school environment rooted in trust. Tune in for real stories and practical strategies to shift mindsets, strengthen relationships, and create a culture where every visit feels like a celebration of growth.

Learn more about building trust with your team: https://learningforliving.com/

School Culture Summit: https://learningforliving.com/school-culture-summit

People First Cohort: https://learningforliving.com/peoplefirstcohort

Tiny Moment Challenge: https://learningforliving.com/tiny-moment-challenge