Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textIn today’s episode, Dr. Stephen Harvey and I discuss the roles of self-regulation and self-coaching in education and how to plants the seeds for student success in physical education. Stephen dives deeply into his work and shares the vision that he has based on his own journey in education that has taken him back and forth between the United States and England over the years. Stephen’s expertise lies in the Teaching Games For Understanding model. He finds great value in using creativity to deepen the impact that physical activity and movement can have in a young person’s life. Much of his work lies in the field of coaching but Stephen clearly shows the strong connection and links between quality teaching and effective coaching. You are sure to find a gem or two you can apply in your own teaching practice after hearing this episode with Dr. Stephen Harvey. Stephen’s Bio:Dr. Stephen Harvey has joined the Patton College of Education as an Associate Professor in Sports Coaching. Dr. Harvey is a former junior international field hockey coach and currently works with organizations such as USA field hockey and the United States Olympic Committee in a coach development and education role. Recently Dr. Harvey has successfully completed international coach educator/developer qualification and was previously a coach educator with England Hockey, the National Governing Body of Field Hockey in England. Dr. Harvey is also an experienced, licensed soccer and badminton coach and has coached both these sports at the collegiate level in England. In addition, he is also a licensed physical education teacher in England.Dr. Harvey moved to Ohio from West Virginia University (2013-2017) where he was an Associate Professor in Physical Education Teacher Education. He previously completed hi PhD at Oregon State University (2003-2006). In 2016 Dr. Harvey was honored as a Research Fellow by the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE) America due to his extensive contributions to research in both physical education and sports coaching. His main research interest surrounds game-based approaches to teaching and coaching. However, his work in coaching has additionally been focused on the systematic observation of coaching behavior, and how coaching behavior is tied to coaches' biographies. Dr. Harvey has maintained an interest in educational technology and co-developed an app (Axis Coaching) that a trained observer can use to investigate and record coaches' behavior. Finally, Dr. Harvey's interest in educational technology has led to him researching with and about teachers and coaches social media use.Connect with Stephen:Email: harveys3@ohio.eduTwitter: @drstephenharveyThemes Discussed:Self-Regulation, Creativity, TGFU, Self-Coaching, Quality Physical Education, Feedback, Teaching and Learning

Send us a textToday’s discussion is with Todd Stahl. Todd is one of those distinctly unique individuals who not only has a heart of gold, but is willing to take the risk to do the extremely hard work to find out what’s he’s truly made of and how he can honor the gifts and talents he’s been given in order to make a difference in the world through his work and passions. Todd’s life has not been routine or linear in any way which is why it’s important to really listen to his story as you will see that there were key pivot points in his life that that threw specific obstacles in his path.You will also hear how he used these challenges to better understand himself and the changes that he needed to make in order to find more meaning and purpose in his life. You will see that Todd’s faith is extremely important to him and making a difference by serving others is what he feels he has been called to do. He strives to do this through several different capacities including his work as a firefighter, an artist, a children’s book illustrator, an author and the charity work that he and his wife Sherry have devoted themselves to. What is even more unique about this episode is that I have known Todd for most of my life. I can honestly say that in looking back at the 40plus years we’ve known each other, it doesn’t surprise me to see the path that Todd is on.As I sat down this summer to interview Todd, there were several key areas that I wanted to ask him about in order to learn more about his journey. I wanted to learn more about how his faith has carved out a specific path for him. I also wanted to learn about what inspired him to take the leap into becoming an artist and an author, yet how he has been able to balance these pursuits with his work as a firefighter. As well, I wanted to learn more about the internal forces that drive him toward better understanding himself in an effort to strive for both personal and professional excellence in his life. You’re going to hear about Todd’s book, 40 Days in the Mancave and the role that critical self-reflection has played in his life. In particular, you are going to learn about how Todd has had to deal with the gripping hand of depression and the impact that this has had on his life. I commend Todd for being so open about this part of his life. It’s not easy to discuss these things but in sharing our struggles, there is so much to be learned about how we deal with life and with others when we authentically open up.I hope you take the time to listen to the episode in its entirety and that it sparks reflection in yourself. I hope you are left answering these questions about who you are and what you offer the world.What are the gifts you’ve been given in life? How do you honor and develop these gifts? And how are these gifts making a difference to others in your life and in the world?Our gifts and talents need to be embraced and spending the time to better understand what these gifts are can have a huge impact on the world around us.Thanks for taking the time to listen to this episode with my good friend, Todd Stahl.Todd’s BioFor Todd, Art has always remained that 'dream' he has continued to pursue. Todd was involved in a family run business for over 20 years, but the search was there to do something more related to his gifting. taking steps towards pursuing his dreams, Todd became a firefighter in 2004.Moving closer to the heart of his dreams, Todd has rekindled his passion for Art. His desire is to continue creating thought provoking pieces of art.Todd has completed a number of commissioned projects and recently had his art published in a collaboration with his wife Sherry, providing the illustrations within her devotional with study guide 'Water in the Desert'.In 2013, Xulon Press selected Todd to be one of their 'preferred' illustrators creating art for future publications. Just recently Todd il

Send us a textIf you had to create a personal statement that sums up your philosophy, what would that statement be? How can you better motivate yourself to find more value in your daily efforts to do well? What does loving-kindness mean and how can we practice it more in our lives? What role does human connection play in your life, especially with people you do not know very well? Andy and Neila explore these questions in their latest 4 X Mindfulness podcast in order to share their thoughts and their recent learning about themselves and about others. In the first seed of mindfulness, Neila dives into the work of Claire Boothe Luce, one of the first females to serve in the US congress who went on to do extraordinary work throughout her career in politics. In particular, the way she challenged leaders like Kennedy to create their own personal philosophy statements. Neila talks about the strategy of creating these statements and how challenging it can be. For the second seed of mindfulness, Andy discusses Daniel Pink’s latest book: When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing and a specific strategy outlined in the book that helps to assess our levels of motivation to do difficult things in our life in order to be more proactive. The third seed of mindfulness is about loving kindness and Neila takes listeners through a short exercise to help practice more loving kindness with ourselves and with others. The fourth seed of mindfulness relates to human connection and how random acts of kindness can be a thing of beauty that brightens our day when we least expect it. Neila and Andy hope that you find some value from this episode that is applicable in yoru personal and professional lives. BiosNeila Steele and Andy Vasily are international educators who have worked at fully authorized IB schools in 4 different countries over the past 16 years (Japan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and China). Andy is a consultant, workshop leader, presenter, and speaker. Neila presents and leads multiple workshops in the area of mindfulness. They have devoted themselves to sharing the powerful effects that mindfulness has on promoting greater mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being.Connect with Andy and NeilaNeila SteeleTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndy VasilyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comThemes Discussed: Personal Philosophy Statements, Motivation, Human Connection, Loving Kindness, Daniel Pink, Claire Boothe Luce, Presence

Send us a textIn this episode, Marina Gijzen, current elementary head at Nanjing International School shares her insight and experience as it relates to her journey in education that has spanned well over two decades.A few years ago, Marina chose to change directions and move into educational leadership as she felt, in her heart, that she wanted to take the risk to share her authentic self and the vision that she had in regards to what quality teaching and learning means. To Marina, teaching is a deeply personal pursuit that is greatly impacted by the language we use with young people, as well the relationships that we build with them.In this episode, Marina shares specific strategies and approaches that she has developed over the years, as well she also discusses how she has changed and what she has learned about herself related to the shifting in gears in her career from a classroom teacher to a leader in education. Marina is all about liberating greatness in others and has built her educational leadership philosophy around living this statement and leading by example day in and day out in order to bring out the best in the teachers she feels so lucky to work with. Marina has brought so much wisdom and experience into her many different roles at Nanjing International School. She will be transitioning over to a new role as head of elementary school at Lincoln Community School in Ghana next year and is sure to bring so much value to that school. Thanks for listening to today’s episode with Marina Gijzen. About Marina: Marina Gijzen is an international educator who is very interested in the discussions about  educational innovation. What does it mean? What does it look like? Why do it? How do we do it? When and where? and Who will be a part of it?She has been teaching primary aged children for 25 years in 5 different countries in two different languages (French and English).Children fascinate Marina. She believes that they are full of potential and are naturally open-minded, sincere, caring, enthusiastic, brave, and so creative. She aspires to be like the students she teaches and works with!She writes a blog to help her think about how to help keep these wonderful qualities in our children and in our world. She would love you to join in on the conversation.Connect With Marina:Twitter: @marinagijzen Website: https://marinagijzen.com/Themes Discussed: Student agency, Empowerment, Lifelong Learning, Thoughtful Language, Educational Leadership, Quality Teaching and Learning.  

Send us a textThis episode is devoted to the power that meditation can hold in helping us to better understand ourselves. My guest, Dr. Mani Sarathy, the Associate Director of the Clean Combustion Research Center at King Abdullah University of Science of Technology, shares his meditative journey with us and how it has helped to transform his life over the past 15 years. We dive into the nuts and bolts of what mediation means and specific strategies that we can all apply in our lives if we devote ourselves to this cause. Mani shares his backstory and the experiences that guided his formative years while growing up, in particular his self identity which was shaped by both Canadian and Indian cultural values. Mani has great insight and wisdom when it comes to meditation. Whether you are a total beginner or seasoned veteran at meditation, you are sure to glean some insight that can apply to both your personal and professional self. Mani’s BioMani Sarathy is an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology of Science and Technology (KAUST) in the Clean Combustion Research Center (CCRC). Mani was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Combustion Chemistry group at the US Department of Energy Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. During that time he held a prestigious fellowship from NSERC of Canada. Mani received his PhD and MASc degrees in Environmental and Chemical Engineering at the University of Toronto and his BASc in Environmental Engineering Chemical Specialization from the University of Waterloo. In 2015, Mani Sarathy was named a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher. Mani’s research interest is in developing sustainable energy technologies with decreased net environmental impact. A major thrust of research is simulating the combustion chemistry of transportation fuels. The goal of Mani’s research is study conventional and alternative fuels (e.g., biofuels, synthetic fuels, etc.), so the environmental impact of combustion systems can be reduced. Connect With ManiWebsite: https://ccrc.kaust.edu.sa/Pages/Home.aspxThemes Discussed: Vipassana Meditation, Presence, Self-Awareness, Reflection, Observation, Breath Control, Silent Retreats, Personal Excellence, Regret

Send us a textHow do our personal perspectives shape our lives when we experience upheaval and hardship? How often do we genuinely invest ourselves in others? What role do personal stories play in helping us to connect with other people? Do we show ourselves enough self-compassion? Andy Dutton, an excellent educator currently working in Bucharest, Romania, joins Neila Steele and Andy Vasily in the latest 4 X Mindfulness podcast series. Andy Dutton shares two seeds of mindfulness in this episode which relate to his own journey of mindfulness and the importance of investing in his own mental health through a variety of strategies. In sharing the mantra, ‘This too shall pass.”, Andy discusses the importance of being aware of our own negative thought pattern loops that hold us back from living a more genuinely happy life. As well, Andy also shares the importance of having more self-compassion and taking time away each day to regenerate and recharge in order to be our best personal and professional selves. For Neila Steele’s seed of mindfulness, she shares the importance of investing in others by being curious, by asking questions, and showing a genuine interest in others. When we invest in others, we put our own needs and wants aside to better connect and get to know other people in our lives. For the fourth seed of mindfulness, Andy Vasily shares the power of personal stories in helping to make stronger connections with others. By making ourselves vulnerable and genuinely sharing our experiences, we can better connect with others and give them permission to do the same. Lots of powerful themes discussed in the latest 4 X Mindfulness series. We hope you are able to gain some new insight from this episode with Neila Steele, Andy Dutton, and Andy Vasily. BioNeila Steele and Andy Vasily are international educators who have worked at fully authorized IB schools in 4 different countries over the past 16 years (Japan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and China). Andy is a consultant, workshop leader, presenter, and speaker. Neila presents and leads multiple workshops in the area of mindfulness. They have devoted themselves to sharing the powerful effects that mindfulness has on promoting greater mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being.Connect With Neila, Andy Vasily and Andy DuttonNeila SteeleTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndy VasilyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comAndy DuttonTwitter: @PEAndyDThemes Discussed:Empathy, Efficiency, Self-Compassion, Personal Upheaval, Coaching and Counselling, Vulnerability, Human Connection, Relevance

Send us a textThis podcast series is devoted to sharing good teaching practice at Gardens Elementary School which is located on the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology campus in Saudi Arabia. At GES, our student population is multi-cultural, diverse, enthusiastic, engaging and confident. They are also fun loving and happy.Through the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) we provide opportunities for students to develop an understanding of essential concepts, skills, knowledge and attitudes that will enable them to be lifelong learners. Our students are actively involved in authentic inquiry-based learning across all the curriculum areas. They develop confidence in their abilities, think for themselves, question, express their opinions and respect the opinions of others. As students learn to reflect on their learning, they become critical thinkers. We encourage students to voice their ideas and to take action to improve the school and the community. Student achievement and progress is shared through regular assemblies, parent conferences, open houses and activities aimed at making the school a stimulating center for the community.Inquiry and AgencyIn this episode, grade 4 teacher, Jamie House, shares the work and learning he has embarked on with his own professional inquiry at Gardens Elementary School. Jamie has looked deeply at his own teaching practice over the past 7 months in order to identify which area he would like to deepen his understanding of. He identified a particular need to examine more closely how he creates opportunities for each student to develop the skills necessary to move forward with their own learning. A recent trip to Poland to attend Kath Murdoch’s inquiry workshop helped Jamie to consolidate his learning and refine the teaching approaches he uses in the classroom. Jamie discusses a number of things related to inquiry, agency, and how he is striving to help students develop their Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills within their learning journeys in his classroom. Connect With Jamie:Twitter: @jamierhouse Connect With Gardens Elementary SchoolTwitter: @GESatKAUSTWebsite: http://tks.kaust.edu.sa/Message-from-the-Principal-GESThemes Discussed:Student Agency, Skill Development, Inquiry, Kath Murdoch, Content and Coverage, Professional Inquiries

Send us a textIn this episode, Arsenal Soccer School coach, Tim Jones, shares his journey and the valuable lessons he has learned that have led him on the current path that he is. Tim is a deeply reflective coach who places great emphasis on developing personal and social wellness within his players through specific structures that he implements in each practice session. Although there is still great focus on skill acquisition, Tim creates the conditions that help to develop the whole player in an effort to better prepare them for being part of a team while not lose sight of the importance of their own individual development. Through extensive study, Tim continually refines his craft by genuinely inquiring into who he is as a coach and what he needs to do to be a better version of himself. In this episode, Tim provides us with a deeper insight into the role that a coach plays in the lives of their players and how growth, learning, and change are of paramount importance in better developing our professional practice. Tim’s journey actually began in the field of music having completed a university degree in Music and Computer Sound Design from the University of Surrey in the UK. It was through the experience of symphony and playing the viola that Tim learned valuable lessons about creativity and flow. Although he was passionate about music, he began to gravitate more toward soccer and ultimately coaching as this sport has also been a big part of his life for many years. Hope you enjoy this episode with coach Tim Jones. Tim’s BioTim is a soccer coach currently working for Arsenal Soccer Schools in Saudi Arabia. His professional career has spanned ten years and five countries as he has sought out professional and learning opportunities. This has included work in the grassroots, charity, University and elite environments, most recently with the Bristol Rovers FC Academy and the University of South Wales Women’s 1st team.Hailing originally from the British island of Jersey, he was first exposed to coaching through his older brother assisting his sessions with local teams. Indeed it wasn’t until a change of staff at the club, that he was presented with the opportunity for him to take the helm of an adult female team. It was from successes here and a developing love for the craft of coaching that sparked the progression to where he is today.It was the wish of Tim that it should be noted that all views expressed by him are his own rather than a reflection of his current, or past employers.Connect With TimTwitter: @coachtimjonesThemes Discussed:Timely Feedback, Participation vs Performance, Social and Personal Wellness, Constraints Led Coaching, Music, Lifelong Learning

Send us a textIn this 75th episode of the Run Your Life podcast, well-known author/educator, Frank Stepnowski, shares the ‘what’ and the ‘why’ behind his latest book, Retribution: A Teacher Strikes Back. As a very committed and passionate educator with over 25 years of experience, Frank speaks from the heart about the obstacles and roadblocks that stand in the way of teachers in America, and other parts of the world, from operating at their best for the students whom they serve. In this episode, we delve into many important facets of what being a great educator means. Accountability, reflection, relevance, and the importance of feedback all entered the radar of this discussion. Frank has loads of insight that he shares, based on his own story of being an educator in America. Frank’s wisdom comes through loud and clear as does his endless desire to keep making a difference in our field. Regardless of what you teach or your role in education, you are sure to find great value in this discussion with the one and only Frank Stepnowski. Frank’s BioFrank (Step) Stepnowski is a father, husband, teacher, author, and iconoclast. He is a 25-year veteran of the teaching trenches and an outspoken advocate for educators everywhere. He has written four books championing teachers and shedding light on their daily struggles and the broken system in which they work. His voice is unapologetic, often prescient, occasionally controversial, but always entertaining. “Why Are All the Good Teachers Crazy?”,“S.C.R.E.W.E.D., An Educational Fairytale”,“Teaching Sucks, But We Love It,” and his newest release: “RETRIBUTION: A Teacher Strikes Back” are all available online wherever kick-ass books are sold.Connect With Frank:Twitter: @Frankstep1 Themes Discussed: Critical Reflection, Advocacy, Obstacles, Failure, Vulnerability, Accountability, Purpose, Hope, Vision 

Send us a textToday’s episode is a special one as my friend, Christina Polatajko, shares her deeply personal story with addiction. As a well-known physical/health educator, Christina has made a huge impact on our profession through her work and her presentations. Teaching is an extremely personal endeavor that requires us to know our strengths and limitations and to learn as much as we can about ourselves in order to have the impact that we desire through our work. Often times people mask their inefficiencies by hiding their truth, whatever that truth may be. Christina shares her journey with us in order to move forward in her life. She has made it very clear that if sharing her story in this episode impacts just one person who is suffering from addiction, it will be well worth it. Making ourselves vulnerable and sharing who we really are can make a huge difference in the lives of others. Christina continues to shine and thrive in our profession through the bonds that she has created with others, but in her heart, she knows that sharing her story is the next step needed for her to continue to move forward in her life and to pursue excellence. Addiction kills and destroys people both mentally and physically. The more we can openly talk about these things, the more of an impact it will have on providing support to those who need it most. Christina is committed to life-long learning and her struggle with addiction and hardship serve to help her teach in a way that impacts the body, mind, and spirit or every student that walks through her gymnasium doors. Who in your life suffers from addiction? Who in your life do you need to reach out to and better support? In listening to this episode, think of who that person might be. Thanks for tuning into this episode with Christina. About ChristinaChristina has been a physical educator for 8 years now as a Health and P.E coordinator in Melbourne, Australia. She pursued this career with a passion for making a difference and to have an impact. She hopes that the resources and techniques she has created will help other teachers in also making a difference in the classroom. She blogs at http://missphysicaleducation.com/blog/.Christina believes that we all have the greatest opportunity to make a difference every day through our work and is a very driven and determined learner and human being. She has presented nationally and internationally both online and in person. Connect With ChristinaTwitter: @cpola17 Website: missphysicaleducation.comThemes Discussed: Vulnerability, Addiction, Connection, Hope, Purpose, Masking Truth, Motivation, Desire to Improve