Panther Pulse

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Taylor, principal of Park Brook Elementary in Brooklyn Park MN, to explore how he transformed a school struggling with high suspensions and behavioral challenges into a thriving, engaged learning community. Scott shares how leveraging health, fitness, and physical education has been central to creating a positive school culture, improving student behavior, a...

In this episode, Tom sits down with veteran sales leader, podcast host, and coach Drew Norton to talk about the moment that changed everything. When Drew’s six-month-old son stopped breathing, and his wife performed CPR to save his life, it forced him to confront a deeper question: Who am I really becoming? That wake-up call accelerated a journey Drew had already begun, one focused on self-leaders...

In this episode, Tom sits down with English teacher, school leader, and now mystery author Kate Laack to talk about her newest book, "By Any Other Name". The novel follows a woman who discovers a book in an airport bookstore, a book she wrote but never published. What unfolds is a modern “whodunit” that explores authorship, creativity, and what happens when your words are no longer fully...

In this episode, we sit down with James McLamb , founder and CEO of Generation Youth. With decades of experience as a teacher, coach, author, and speaker, James has dedicated his life to equipping young people with the confidence, skills, and mindset needed to lead creatively and courageously. Together, we explore what leadership looks like for today’s teens, how schools and communities can empowe...

In this episode of Panther Pulse , Tom sits down with Charlie Baldwin, a breathwork and resilience educator who has taught at institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon and worked with first responders, students, and people rebuilding their lives. In a world where young people feel overstimulated, stressed, and constantly “on,” Charlie shares simple, science-backed techniques that actually help. No...

During the isolation of COVID, Bryan Severance gathered 30 people for daily virtual rides. What started as funny bios and friendly competition quickly grew into a town-wide movement...and eventually became Moove . In this conversation, Bryan shares how sports, comedy, and reality TV unexpectedly prepared him to build a platform centered on connection through movement. We talk about motivation, acc...

In this episode of the Panther Pulse, we sit down with two students who have spent part of their high school journey in the Alternative Learning Program (ALP). They share their honest experiences, from their first impressions of ALP to the moments when graduation began to feel possible. Along the way, we talk about personal growth, the importance of supportive relationships, and what they’ve learn...

Why do so many well-intentioned efforts to improve engagement, well-being, and performance fall short? In this episode of The Panther Pulse, I’m joined by Lisa Riegel, educator, researcher, author, and expert in the neuroscience of engagement. With over 25 years of experience working in schools and organizations, Lisa helps leaders, educators, and families understand how the brain drives behavior,...

What happens when extraordinary potential collides with trauma, addiction, and devastating choices and then meets grace? In this episode of The Panther Pulse, I sit down with Ken Miller, speaker, author, and coach, whose life journey spans Ivy League classrooms, addiction, homelessness, incarceration, and ultimately redemption and purpose. Ken shares how identity, accountability, mentorship, and s...

Tom sits down with Robert LoCascio , founder of LivePerson , to explore how AI is reshaping childhood, creativity, and human connection. After decades leading one of the world’s pioneering conversational AI companies, Rob shares why he’s now focused on building kid-centered, human-first technology — and what young people will need to thrive in an AI-driven future. A thought-provoking conversation...

Kristen Harootunian once believed she wouldn’t live past 18. Today, she is a Penn State graduate, a national mental health speaker, and a powerful advocate for healing and hope. In this deeply honest conversation, Kristen shares her journey through trauma, mental health challenges, and early substance use, and the long road toward recovery, treatment, and self-belief. We talk about what actually h...

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, Tom Horner is joined by Sally Edwards, entrepreneur, author, Hall of Fame endurance athlete, and founder of Fleet Feet and the Heart Zones Training Method. Sally shares her incredible journey through decades of endurance sport, business innovation, and education, including her role in shaping triathlon, pioneering heart-rate-based training, and bringing wearab...

In this episode of The Panther Pulse , Tom Horner sits down with Dr. Jessica Werner (educator, consultant, and founder of Northshore Learning) to talk about the everyday challenges teachers face in today’s classrooms. With expertise in classroom management, student self-regulation, and educator wellbeing, Dr. Werner responds directly to questions submitted by teachers. From disengaged students to...

On this episode of The Panther Pulse, Tom sits down with the team from Be Extraordinary, Be You, a nonprofit created in honor of their son, Randy, who died by suicide after cannabis-induced psychosis triggered by high-potency THC products. This conversation goes far beyond “just say no.” It breaks down what today’s THC really is, why it’s drastically different from the marijuana of the past, how i...

In this episode, Tom sits down with Dr. Josh Stein: child and adolescent psychiatrist, clinic director, and longtime advocate for youth mental health to unpack a challenge many students, families, and educators are facing: How do we encourage kids to strive for excellence without slipping into perfectionism? They explore motivation, stress, achievement pressure, and the difference between healthy...

In this episode of The Panther Pulse , host Tom Horner sits down with Teen & Parent Well-Being Coach Laura Ollinger to discuss one of the biggest challenges families face today: technology, screen time, and teen mental health. With her expertise in emotional regulation, digital well-being, and family connection, Laura shares practical tools and strategies for teens and parents to navigate digi...

In this episode of The Panther Pulse , host Tom Horner sits down with Bethany von Steinbergs , founder of Flourish Consulting LLC and a longtime partner with Pine Island Schools. Together, they explore how Strengths Spotting ( seeing and developing what’s best in others) can transform classrooms, relationships, and culture. With over 25 years of experience using CliftonStrengths to unlock human po...

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, host Tom Horner sits down with nationally recognized educator and speaker Deb Tackmann, whose passion for health, wellness, and the human spirit has inspired audiences nationwide. As a two-time National Health Educator of the Year and the first health educator from Wisconsin inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame, Deb has spent more than four decades...

What if the hardest moments you face are actually your biggest growth opportunities? In this episode of Panther Pulse , I sit down with writer, entrepreneur, and endurance athlete Teddy Mitrosilis to explore his framework called The Golden Opportunity . Teddy shares how pushing through discomfort can unlock resilience, perspective, and lasting growth.

In this episode of The Panther Pulse, HOPE Squad students, advisors, and a parent share how connection, kindness, and peer support can change lives. From personal stories to powerful reflections, this conversation reminds us that hope starts with each of us. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 for immediate support. Pine Island Student Support Link Here

In this episode, we hear from Principal and Coach Greg Berge to unpack the powerful theme of Deposits and Returns. From building culture and leading teams to handling adversity and mentoring future leaders, Greg shares how the principle of “No Deposit, No Return” has shaped his career and life. A conversation full of practical wisdom for coaches, teens, educators, and anyone striving to get the mo...

In this episode of the Panther Pulse, we are shining a light on a crucial yet often misunderstood topic: eating disorders in children and adolescents. We’re joined by Jocelyn Lebow, PhD, LP, an Associate Professor of Psychology at the Mayo Clinic, who specializes in child and adolescent eating disorders. Together, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of these disorders, the importance of early i...

In this episode of the Panther Pulse Podcast, we’re joined by Kathryn Goetzke, the founder of SHINE HOPE, who has dedicated her life to promoting hope and mental health awareness following her own struggles with depression, anxiety, and the tragic loss of her father to suicide. Kathryn has developed innovative programs to teach hope as a skill, demonstrating its profound impact on mental health. J...

On this episode of the Panther Pulse Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Brenda Davis, RD—a world-renowned dietitian, speaker, and best-selling author—who has dedicated her career to transforming lives through nutrition. With 13 books to her name and experience speaking in over 25 countries, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge on how the right foods can fuel children's health, energy, and a...

Making the jump from middle school to high school can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Panther Pulse , I sit down with four seniors who have been through it all—late-night study sessions, tough classes, and figuring out how to stay motivated. They’ll share real talk about independence, study habits, and what they wish they knew before freshman year. Plus, we dive in...