Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textAs educators, we can sometimes entrench ourselves in certain ways of thinking when it comes to what is best for students to be able to know, understand and do. In today’s episode, Tom Johnson and I have an in-depth discussion about the importance of removing ourselves from these entrenched positions and to approach teaching and learning differently. The journey of learning is a noble pursuit that both teacher and student must be equal stakeholders. However, in order to create this type of learning environment, there are major considerations that must be well-thought out if we are to maximize the impact that students and teachers can have on the learning process. Tom delves into his PHD studies and the major lessons he has learned throughout his own learning journey in education that are applicable in the current work that he does. As well, Tom and I take a hard look at what it means to be a ‘leader’ in education. Bio:Tom Johnson is father of a four year old son named Mickey.  This has been the game-changer.  He is also a practicing academic and a scholar-practitioner.  He is an intrapreneur, a learning coach, a designer, and was once a Google Certified Individual.  He founded the Learning and Technology Exchange Network (LTEN) that has now gone almost fully Turkish.  Tom has lived through hurricanes in Mexico, earthquakes in Guatemala, political unrest in Thailand, gun-fights in Toronto, hold-ups in Niagara, motorcycle accidents in Taiwan and hopefully a PhD. in Turkey and China.  As you will hear, he would argue for the modification of any fixed model of thinking. Connect with Tom:Twitter:@ictechdesignWebsite: ict-design.orgThemes Discussed:Disrupted Leadership, Cognitive Dissonance, Blended Learning, John Hattie, Dylan William, Daniel Pink, Seth Godin, Maximizing Student Learning, Teacher Motivation

Send us a textIn the 4th installment of our 4 X Mindfulness series, Neila shares a specific strategy that helps to put stressful situations into better perspective in our lives through the 10-10-10 approach. This approach can easily be modified in multiple different ways, but what is most important to realize is that it is all about better coping with stress. Added to this Neila also shares another strategy that she playfully puts into pratice in her life which is called the 20-second hug. Evidence shows that holding on to hugs a bit longer actually works to release higher levels of oxytocin. Neila explains why this is so important to our well-being. Andy shares his go to sources of insight and inspiration for the past week as well. The first one is delving into the beautiful South African philosophical belief called ‘Ubuntu’ which is all about humanness and the importance of the human connection. As well, Andy shares a gratitude visualization that he has been practicing over the past week which is rooted in the idea of giving grratitude for family, friends, and other people in our 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 Neila and AndyNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comDiscussion TopicsStress Reduction, The Human Connection, Oxytocin, Gratitude and Visualization, Nelson Mandela, Ubuntu, The Importance of Connectedness

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Craig Harrison shares his work and research related to helping young people to find a love of movement and physical activity through sport and other recreational endeavours. Craig is highly committed to ensuring that all young people have an opportunity to connect with movement and understand the positive impact that it can have in their lives. His interpretation of the ‘student athlete’ is different than you would imagine. Craig and I deconstruct what it means to be a student athlete and the multiple factors that must be addressed in order to deliver a holistically empowering framework that allows all young people to embrace physical activity for life.BioCraig Harrison is the Director of Athlete Development at AUT Millennium. Craig has a PhD in youth athlete development and focuses on uncovering best practice and inspiring change in the area.  He leads a team of mighty coaches to create the best possible learning and improving environments for athletes to achieve their best. Before working at AUT Millennium, Craig held sport science and athlete conditioning roles in high performance sport. Connect with CraigTwitter: @drcraigharrisonWebsite: http://www.autmillennium.org.nz/ Themes DiscussedThe Student Athlete, Well-Being, Love of Movement, Physical Activity for Life, Relevant and Meaningful Learning in PE, Striving for Excellence

Send us a textIn this episode, Neila and Andy record live from downtown Shanghai, China. 4 x Mindfulness is all about sharing weekly go to sources of inspiration and insight in regards to mindfulness. Neila starts this episode by sharing how mindfulness can play a pivotal role in helping to set intentions with more focused attention. She also describes a very useful breathing technique that she puts into practice. This breathing technique called ‘54321 Breath’ works to calm stress levels and to become more aware of the thoughts, feelings, and body sensations that we experience in the moment. It’s very useful for both teachers and students. Andy shares a strategy that he uses to help focus on priorities and to take these important ‘need to do’ things in our lives one step at a time, rather than having that overwhelming sense that everything needs to be done at once. As well, he shares his thoughts about the importance that being present has on good listening and asking the right questions at the right time. Andy and Neila hope that any teachers listening to this have valuable takeaway that can be applied in their own life and work. Thanks for listening to the 3rd installment of 4 X Mindfulness. 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 Neila and AndyNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comDiscussion TopicsDean Bokhari Meaningful Show, Breath Control, Stress Reduction, Setting Intentions, Being Present, Good Listening, Questioning for Deeper Purpose

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Dean Kriellaars and I deconstruct the key fundamentals necessary in order to design the very best learning experiences possible in physical education. We delve into what it means to be physically literate and the critical importance of allowing every young person to find a specific movement pursuit that they fall in love with and strive to master. Mastery is not about medals and championships, nor is it about standing on podiums celebrating. Every young person deserves the right to find joy and love through some form of movement. Dean and I discuss the future of physical education and what it’s going to take to ensure that every single young person can strive toward becoming physically literate citizens of the world.Dean is a passionate educator who is doing his very best to raise awareness about the need to bring movement and physical activity back into the every day life of young people. You are sure to get a lot of takeaway value from our discussion today. BioDr. Kriellaars is a faculty member of the College of Rehabilitation Sciences of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. He is a scientist of the Manitoba Institute of Child Health. His Human Performance Laboratory has numerous students directed to undertaking research on physical literacy and physical activity, related to health, performance, injury prevention and treatment. Dr. Kriellaars has been awarded two major university teaching awards, as well as national and international awards for scientific research and innovation. Dr. Kriellaars has received two University of Manitoba Presidential Outreach awards for meritorious community work, and recently was awarded the Campbell Award for longstanding community service. He was named as the co-chair of the Premiers Council on Health Living for the province of Manitoba. He was awarded the Healthy Living Award for his outstanding activities in building community wellness in the province of Manitoba. He was recently awarded the MPETA builder award for outstanding dedication and promotion of health and physical education in Manitoba. He works with Canadian Sport for Life, PHE Canada, the Sport Medicine and Science Council of Manitoba, Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse, Cirque du Soleil and the National Circus School, as well as the RCMP on community wellness initiatives.Connect with DeanTwitter: @DeanKriellaars Themes DiscussedPurposeful Movement, Mastery, Teaching Excellence, Physical Literacy, More is Not Better, The Meaning of Work, Physical Education

Send us a textIn today’s episode, Neila and I share our go to sources of insight and inspiration for the week that are rooted in the seeds of mindfulness. Neila does a reading of her all-time favorite poem written by Max Ehrmann entitled ‘The Desiderata’ and explains why she is so deeply moved by this piece. She discuses specific connections made to mindfulness in this poem and challenges the listeners to reflect on the signifance that the poem may play in their lives. Neila also discusses a powerful mantra that she learned a few years ago that she shares with her yoga students at end of each class that she teaches. Andy shares a story that he first heard on the Ted Radio Hour that helps to emphasize the importance of keeping our internal flames of motivation lit. This story is a metaphor for the need to always strive to empower ourselves and those around us. As well, Andy also shares the importance that reflection plays in better appreciating the small wins in our lives. We hope you enjoy the second installment of 4 x Mindfulness. 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 Neila and AndyNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comDiscussion TopicsThe Desiderata, Appreciation, Mindfulness, Empowerment, Ted Radio Hour, Gratitude, The Jar of Awesome

Send us a textAn Artist’s Dent in the UniverseIn this episode, I interview Jane Roos, the Founder of CAN Fund, an organization set up to help fund Canadian athletes in their pursuit of representing their nation on the Olympic stage. Jane embodies exactly what it means to take action and initiative to strive for both personal and professional excellence through the work that she does. Through hardship and adversity, Jane has had to overcome many obstacles in her life in order to find her true purpose which is firmly rooted in her passion for helping others succeed. Jane openly shares her amazing journey, the specific work that she does, and her desire to give hope and meaning to the athletes she helps to support in their Olympic quest. We recorded this one live in her art gallery in Toronto, Canada. I thoroughly enjoyed my discussion with Jane Roos.BioJane was a promising track athlete before a devastating car accident ended her athletic career at age 19. Jane turned this life lesson into helping Canadian athletes and started the Canadian Athletes Now Fund, a not-for-profit organization.  As a former athlete herself, Jane saw a need. In order for Canada’s elite athletes to compete on the world stage, they must have money to pay for proper training, coaching, nutrition and living expenses.At the 2006 Olympic Games, Jane was honored with the Live Olympic Award. This is an international Award given to only 20 people. For the past seven years, Jane has been recognized by CAAWS as one of the most Influential Women in Sport. The Globe & Mail selected Jane as one of the Most Influential People in Sport and at the 36th Canadian Sports Awards; Jane was the recipient of the Leadership in Sports Award.In January 2010, knowing a Gold medal has never been won on Canadian soil, CAN Fund launched the Sprott Gold Metal Celebration. For every GOLD medal won by a Canadian athlete, $100,000 would be donated by Sprott Asset Management and the Sprott Foundation to CAN Fund to support athletes training for London 2012.  CAN Fund directly supported 80% of the Canadian athletes who competed in Sochi and has raised over $21 million dollars to date.Jane is also a very successful artist with “See Jane Paint”.  Her paintings are sold across Canada and New York, and she has created a number of commission paintings for corporate Canada and charity.Owner of the Jane Roos Gallery, which recently opened in downtown Toronto, Jane exhibits her paintings and other Canadian artists.There is no straight line with Jane; all of her varied experiences have shaped her unique perspective as an entrepreneur, artist, speaker and human being. She lives in Toronto with her husband and two daughters.Connect with JaneTwitter: @janeroosgallery @CANFUNDWebsite: myCANFund.ca  janeroosgallery.comThemes DiscussedThe Meaning of Work, Creativity, CANFUND, Purpose, Hardship and Adversity, Striving for Excellence

Send us a textNeila Steele and I are rolling out an additional podcast each week that will still fall under the umbrella of my Run Your Life series. 4 x Mindfulness is about Neila and I sharing our go to sources of mindfluness inspiration each week. It is a way for us to document the big ideas or themes related to mindfulness that have really resonated with us for that particular week. If you are really into mindfulness or a complete beginner with this practice, we sincerely hope that you will gain some strong takeaway value from each weekly episode of 4 x Mindfulness. In today’s episode, Neila shares a great story that she first heard on the Tim Ferriss podcast that is very much rooted in the seeds of mindfulness and the importance of being present. She also discusses the amazing work of John Kabat Zinn who is considered be one of the most renown mindfulness gurus worldwide. As for me, I share the story of Verna Myers, a well known consultant, who has devoted herself to helping people and organizations uncover certain biases that they hold. Being mindful and present is a part of this process. The last thing I share in today’s 4 x Mindfulness episode are a couple of specific approaches that have worked well in helping me to find more quiet and calm during my meditation sessions. We hope you enjoy the first installment of 4 x Mindfulness. 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 Neila and AndyNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comDiscussion TopicsTara Brach, Tim Ferriss, Verna Myer Ted Talk, Jon Kabat Zinn, Meditation, Mindfulness, Being Present, Connecting with the Breath, Specific Mindfulness and Meditation Techniques

Send us a textToday’s Run Your Life podcast is really a two-part series that was recorded live back in Toronto a few weeks ago with my good friend Joey Feith. We took the time to really dig deep into our own teaching practice to draw out core beliefs that we hold about good pedagogy and instruction. In this episode, Joey shares his unique journey and path that has led him to being one of the most sought after speakers in the arena of physical education worldwide.Today’s show is not just about what it takes to be a great physical educator but also the critical importance of pursuing personal excellence along the way. Joey delves into the mindset and work ethic that has propelled him forward in his teaching and his fundamental beliefs about the creative process in regards to the amazing resources he has developed over the years. Any educator listening to this podcast will gain immediate takeaway value applicable in their own teaching practice. BioJoey Feith is the founder of ThePhysicalEducator.com. He currently teaches physical education in Montreal, Canada. Joey believes that every child should have access to a world class physical education experience, and that teacher professional development is the key to that. That is why, between lesson planning and helping kids improve their running, he has dedicated thousands of hours to creating a site that helps inspire fellow physical educators.Joey has presented his ideas at the local, provincial, national, and international levels through various speaking and training events. He is a recipient of Physical and Health Education Canada's Dr. Andy Anderson Young Professional Award and was an Education finalist in the 6th Annual Shorty Awards, an awards ceremony honouring the best in social media.When not teaching, blogging, or developing new teaching resources, Joey enjoys spending time with his family, longboarding, and drinking tea.Connect with JoeyTwitter: @JoeyFeith @phys_educatorFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thephysicaleducator/Website: ThePhysicalEducator.comThemes Discussed:Backwards Design, Quality Physical Education, Meaning & Relevance, Deconstructing Outcomes, The Creative Process, Mindset & Failure, Goal-Setting

Send us a textWhat are the key components to better understanding leadership and becoming more proactive in taking the lead in our own personal and professional lives? In today’s episode, my guest, Kasson Bratton, an insightful leader from Nanjing International School, helps me to deconstruct the fundamental building blocks of leadership in an effort to more deeply understand what great leaders do in order to empower those around them and to focus on ‘giving’ rather than ‘taking’ control. Much of our discussion today revolves around a best selling book about leadership entitled Turn the Ship Around!: A True Story of Turning Followers Into Leaders written by Captain David Marquet, a former nuclear submarine commander in the US Naval Fleet. We delve into specific strategies and approaches that are immediately applicable to anyone wishing to better take the lead in their own lives. As well, we examine the mindset of great leaders and their relentless desire to connect, learn, grow, and develop their skills based upon their own unique needs both personally and professionally. We hope that anyone listening to this episode will have immediate takeaway value that can be applied in the work that they do. Kasson Bratton BioKasson Bratton is enjoying his second year as Head of Middle School at Nanjing International School. This marks his 11th year as an international educator with successful stints in Haiti, Scotland, Qatar, and now, wonderful China! Kasson holds an Ed.S in Educational Leadership from Capella University and an M.Ed from Portland State University. His professional passions are meeting the unique needs of adolescent learners, empowering his colleagues, and helping make the mission of inclusive education, creative thinking, international-mindedness, and personal excellence a reality. He is supported in these endeavors by his lovely wife, Olivia, and energetic five-year-old son, Harris. Connect With KassonTwitter: @KB_Intl Themes Discussed:Taking vs Giving Control, Empowerment, Passion, Purpose & Clarity, Personal Mission Statements, The Meaning of Work, Allowing Failure, Assessing Risk