Ruff Draft Podcast

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Saicy and Mike dive into how any school — regardless of size or budget — can start its own podcasting program to enhance learning, creativity, and communication. From selecting simple recording equipment to using platforms like Riverside and Buzzsprout, they walk listeners through how schools can give students and teachers a platform to share ideas, lessons, and s...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Saicy shares her creative idea for using AI-powered color analysis to help people discover the shades and tones that best complement their skin tone, hair, and eye color — without paying for an expensive personal consultant. Her approach lets anyone upload a photo, allow an AI model to analyze undertones, and receive instant recommendations for wardrobe colors, ma...

Send us Fan Mail This week we’re joined by Ashley from Region 14 to talk about exciting new AI learning opportunities happening this fall. The AI Cohort kicks off October 22 with a keynote from Amy Mayer of friEdTech , and continues on November 19 and December 10 with sessions on tools like MagicSchool, Google Gemini, and more . Participants will also complete six hours of self-paced AI PD to put...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Clyde's Director of Technology, Mike Neal, for an in-depth conversation about his unique journey to leadership. How does one go from working at AT&T to overseeing the entire technological infrastructure for over a thousand students and staff? Mr. Neal shares his personal and professional story, detailing the pivotal moments and key decisi...

Send us Fan Mail Should robots be grading work like teachers? 🎓🤖 This week we tackle a big (and controversial!) question—can AI really grade essays fairly, or is that a job only humans should do? Tune in for a lively chat full of pros, cons, and a few surprises along the way  The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do n...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kinslow to dive into the Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) and what it looks like in our district this year. From how teachers can qualify, to the impact TIA has on campuses and student learning, Dr. Kinslow helps break down the process and answer key questions. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply curious about how TIA supports...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive into the world of bot stacking —the strategic use of multiple AI tools to boost creativity, productivity, and personalization in education. We're joined by Miguel Guhlin from TCEA , author of the original blog post that inspired this conversation, to explore how educators can act as conductors, orchestrating specialized AI bots like ChatGPT, Perplexit...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when you mix tech-savvy educators, meaningful professional learning, and a beachside backdrop? You get the Tech Beach Retreat ! In this episode, Mike sits down with Saicy to talk all about the vision behind this unique professional development experience, how it came together, and what made it such a success. From planning logistics to standout sessions—and even a few...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we unpack Texas House Bill 1481 and its sweeping impact on student cell phone use in schools. Learn how the new law will affect school policies, discipline, and device management starting in the 2025–26 school year. The thoughts, opinions, and views expressed in this podcast are those of the individuals featured in the episode and do not necessarily reflect the of...

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...