Ruff Draft Podcast

Send us Fan Mail This year, our district is using MobileMind for all compliance training—and in this quick solo episode, I’m walking you through exactly how to get started. Whether you’re logging in for the first time or trying to track your progress, I’ll cover the essentials: accessing your dashboard, finding assigned courses, and submitting your completions. Save yourself time (and stress) by l...

Send us Fan Mail Join Mike as he interviews Saicy on her recent experience presenting at the ISTE Live '25 Conference in San Antonio this summer! We'll dive deep into what ISTE is, how to prepare for a presentation, our favorite parts of conferences, and more!  The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not nece...

Send us Fan Mail Senior year can feel like a whirlwind for students and their families—but you don’t have to navigate it alone! In this episode, we sit down with Alex Jones, a high school counselor, to unpack everything seniors need to know before the school year kicks off. We’ll cover key timelines for FAFSA, applying for scholarships, college application tips, and strategies to stay organized du...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Mike Neal breaks down practical, no-nonsense cybersecurity habits that anyone—whether in public service, education, or the private sector—can adopt to protect their organization. From avoiding phishing traps to securing both digital and physical spaces, this episode delivers essential guidance in a clear, relatable format. Learn why cybersecurity is everyone’...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we dive into Think Remarkable by Guy Kawasaki—a powerful guide to becoming extraordinary in work and life. Join us as we unpack key takeaways from the book, including the mindset shifts, personal branding tips, and purpose-driven strategies that Kawasaki shares to help individuals stand out in a crowded world. Whether you’re an educator, entrepreneur, or lifelong...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Saicy and Mike break down how educators can pair ChatGPT with Canva to save time, boost creativity, and better engage students and families. From lesson planning to hallway displays, they share Canva basics, favorite tools, and the secret sauce for designing smarter—not harder.  The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individua...

Send us Fan Mail In a world of cabbage soup cleanses and carb-free promises, how do you actually build a healthy life that lasts? In this episode, we get real about fad diets, teacher burnout, and the pressure to “do it all.” Mike shares his experience with Whole30—what worked, what didn’t—and drops a super practical, budget-friendly tip for planning healthy meals. If you've ever tried to bal...

Send us Fan Mail  In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Rachel and Katie from Communities In Schools to explore how CIS is transforming student lives by addressing the root causes of chronic absenteeism. From food insecurity to mental health challenges, we dive into the ways CIS site coordinators provide wraparound support that keeps students in school and thriving. Learn how this nationwide...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we sit down with student leaders from the Intermediate campus Junior Lighthouse Team to learn how they’re promoting the Habits of Highly Effective People through their actions and initiatives. From school-wide activities to modeling positive habits, these young leaders are lighting the way for a stronger school culture and brighter future.  The thoughts,...

Send us Fan Mail In this special graduation morning episode, hear from the incredible seniors of the Class of 2025 as they share what’s next after high school—college, careers, military, or other exciting adventures. It’s a celebration of dreams, hard work, and bright futures. Congrats, Bulldogs! 🖤🐾  The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals feature...

Send us Fan Mail  In this special episode, we sit down with a junior high student to explore what school life is like through his eyes. From favorite subjects and influential teachers to hobbies, goals, and dream travel destinations, this conversation is full of heart, humor, and honesty. Tune in for a glimpse into the mind of a middle schooler navigating academics, friendships, and big aspiration...

Send us Fan Mail  In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Paula—a dedicated Clyde CISD staff member—and her two daughters, Mikayla and Tara, both soon to be proud Bulldog graduates. As Mikayla prepares to walk the stage and Tara reflects on her own journey, the trio shares stories of tradition, growth, and the lasting impact of being raised in the heart of Clyde. From senior milestones to full...

Send us Fan Mail In honor of Nurse Appreciation Day, we’re shining a spotlight on the amazing women who care for our students every single day. Join us as we chat with Clyde CISD’s very own nurse team—Holly, Shelby, and Tiffany (we missed you, Jessica!)—who serve across every campus with compassion, skill, and a whole lot of heart. From scraped knees to tough calls, they’ve seen it all. Tune in fo...

Send us Fan Mail In this special Teacher Appreciation Week episode, we celebrate the heart of Clyde CISD — our teachers — through the voices of alumni who have come full circle. These proud Clyde graduates returned home to teach, lead, and inspire in the very district that shaped them. Join us as they share heartfelt reflections and stories honoring the educators who made a lasting impact on their...

Send us Fan Mail May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to speak up, break down stigma, and center well-being in our schools and communities. In this special episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast , we’re joined by Clyde High School Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor, Bethany Odom. Together, we dive into the evolving conversation around student mental health, common challenges high scho...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast , we dive into Diffit , an AI-powered tool designed to make differentiation easier, faster, and more effective for every educator. Whether you’re prepping for STAAR, building literacy across subjects, or looking for meaningful support for ELL, SPED, GT, or CTE students—Diffit has you covered. 🎙️ What we cover: What Diffit is and why it’s a...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we sit down with our Superintendent and School Resource Officer to talk all things school safety—from daily protocols to long-term strategies for creating a secure and supportive learning environment. Learn how our district approaches safety with intention, the role of relationship-building in prevention, and how students, staff, and families can all play a part....

Send us Fan Mail Did you know that school libraries have their own set of standards, just like classrooms do? In this episode, we chat with Makenzie Bingham, Clyde CISD’s District Librarian, who holds a master’s in library science and is a certified librarian. Makenzie shares how the library is more than just books—it’s a hub for student learning, teacher support, and innovative resources. Tune in...

Send us Fan Mail In this special episode of the Ruff Draft Podcast , we’re honored to chat with two incredible Clyde CISD counselors who have been recognized as Region 14’s best! 🏆✨ Jennifer Wilson – 2023-2024 Region 14 Elementary Small School Counselor of the Year Callie Van Hoff – 2024-2025 Region 14 Small School Secondary Counselor of the Year From guiding elementary students through their fi...

Send us Fan Mail What if your classroom had a touch of magic — powered by AI? In this episode, we take a laid-back look at how artificial intelligence could transform education in ways that feel almost…otherworldly. From smart tools that practically read your mind to tech that feels like it belongs in a fantasy novel, we’re diving into the fun, weird, and maybe even wonderful side of AI in schools...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we’re diving into the world of educational technology with two incredible tech leaders from rural West Texas. Joining us are Ashlei Adams, Technology Director from Merkel ISD, and Vince Moore, Chief Technology Officer from Breckenridge ISD. Together, they share their experiences, challenges, and successes in supporting technology integration in their districts. We...

Send us Fan Mail  In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Paula Kinslow, Clyde CISD’s Curriculum Director, and Bethany Powell, a dedicated school board member, for an important conversation about teacher retention and wellness. We dive into the strategies our district is using to support educators, the impact of initiatives like our recent staff wellness day, and why investing in teacher well-being i...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a special episode as we sit down with Mrs. Mason, a dedicated educator with over 30 years of classroom experience. She shares her journey, the lessons she’s learned, and the wisdom she’s gained from decades of shaping young minds. From the challenges of education to the moments that make teaching truly rewarding, Mrs. Mason’s stories are sure to inspire educators, stud...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Ruff Draft Podcast , we’re joined by two inspiring high school students from the Education and Training CTE course. They share their experiences, passion for teaching, and what they’ve learned from working alongside educators. Their enthusiasm and love for learning remind us why the future of education is in great hands. This conversation was full of laughter, h...

Send us Fan Mail  🎉🚜 Happy National FFA Week! 🌾🌟 In this special episode, we're celebrating National FFA Week with two incredible senior FFA officers as our guests! Join us for an exciting conversation as we dive into the world of FFA, sharing memorable stories, leadership experiences, and insights from their time in the organization. Whether you're an FFA member or just curious abou...