Active Listener, a Lightspeed Podcast
Hosted by Dominique Johnson-Lindsay, The Active Listener Podcast by Lightspeed amplifies the voices shaping K-12 education. Each episode features conversations with district leaders, educators or K-12 stakeholders working to improve schools and classrooms alongside evolving technology and teaching methods. Whether you’re an educator seeking inspiration, an administrator navigating change, or simply passionate about the future of learning, The Active Listener podcast is for you.
Episodes
In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with married educators Alex and Nicole Schmitt for a heartfelt conversation about what it takes to keep showing up for students with both heart and backbone. Together, they reflect on the realities of teaching, the importance of student voice, the power of meaningful connection, and the ways school systems can better listen to and support the educators closest ...
In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dena McNeal, a middle school assistant principal with over 20 years of experience, to explore how relationships, routines, and consistency shape effective classroom management. Dena shares practical strategies for setting expectations, supporting teachers, and balancing accountability with care while emphasizing that respect is built through connection, not control. At i...
What does listening actually require, and what can music teach us about how the brain learns? In this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Dr. Jessica Phillips-Silver, a music neuroscientist, speaker, and artistic creator whose work explores how rhythm shapes attention, regulation, and human connection.
Together, they unpack Jessica’s ARC framework of listening - attention, regulation, and connection - and explore w...
On this episode of Active Listener, Dominique sits down with Brittany Hebert, Director of Pupil Services at Provident Charter School, and Amy Salera, parent of a Provident student and Community Engagement Manager at Apraxia Kids. They explore how Provident supports students with dyslexia through UDL practices, targeted interventions, and strong family collaboration, plus how Lightspeed classroom audio helps reduce auditory barriers...
What does student success really look like in today's classrooms? On this episode of Active Listener, Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Dr. Andrea Trotter, assistant principal at Monticello High School, to explore a new definition of student achievement.
Dr. Trotter makes the case for alternative education pathways and student-centered leadership that creates space for learners who don't thrive in traditional systems - and s...
Season 3 kicks off with host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay reflecting on why The Active Listener exists, what Season 2 taught us, and why communication and connection sit at the heart of education. From students feeling heard to leaders leading with compassion and understanding, the themes were clear across every conversation. This season is all about turning those insights into action and continuing Lightspeed’s mission of helping eve...
In this episode of Active Listener, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Sharyn D'Eon, principal of Chesterfield Elementary School in rural New Hampshire. Sharyn shares how her community-driven K–8 school uses shared leadership, outdoor learning, and Lightspeed classroom audio to reduce vocal strain, minimize distractions, and create clearer, more equitable listening environments for every learner.
She also discusses the e...
In this episode of The Active Listener by Lightspeed, Dominique speaks with Dr. Matthew Woods - deputy superintendent, lifelong educator, and podcaster- about the powerful relationship between strong instructional strategy and the technology that supports it. Dr. Woods shares how his early experiences shaped his path into education, what he learned transitioning from teacher to administrator, and why the most effective instruction...
Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Dr. Lisa Dailey, an Oregon middle school principal with 17 years in education, to explore what it really takes to support students during the most overlooked years in K–12. Dr. Dailey shares her path from math teacher to school leader, her doctoral research centering at-risk middle school youth, and why universal screeners, student voice, and family input must shape campus priorities. T...
In this episode of the Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay speaks with Craig Straw, Director of Safety and Emergency Management at Houston ISD, the eighth-largest school district in the nation. With over 30 years of military and emergency management experience, Craig shares how a “people-first” mindset, mental health awareness, and early intervention form the foundation of effective school safety.
Listen in as C...
Join host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay as she sits down with school safety expert John McDonald, COO of the Council for School Safety Leadership, to explore how schools can create safer environments through trusted relationships, proactive culture, and effective technology. From his “Stop the Prop” initiative to preparing for emerging AI-driven threats, John offers real-world strategies that help educators, leaders, and communities en...
In this inspiring episode of The Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay sits down with Katy Kollasch, Chief Entrepreneur and Change Agent at the Venture Academy of Leadership and Entrepreneurship (VALE) in Parker, Colorado. With over two decades in education and an international teaching background, Katy shares her remarkable journey from the UK to founding a groundbreaking high school model in the U.S.
Katy unpack...
In this episode of the Active Listener Podcast, host Dominique Johnson-Lindsey welcomes a special guest—her mother, Regina Johnson, a first-grade teacher and Navy veteran. Regina shares her journey from military service to teaching and how she balances discipline and fun in her classroom. Drawing connections between parenting and teaching, Regina emphasizes small group learning, active listening, and the significance of technology,...
Welcome to another episode of the Active Listener Podcast, where today we dive into a conversation with Amber Reynolds, a dedicated physical education teacher from Summit View Elementary. Learn about her transition from classroom teaching to her passion for PE, and how she nurtures an inclusive environment for all students, especially those with special needs. Amber shares her philosophy on promoting positive sportsmanship and soci...
Welcome back to Season Two of the Active Listener Podcast! Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay, welcomes Leo Brehm, an experienced leader from the Massachusetts educational landscape. With over two decades in technology, Leo shares insights into his role as a district business administrator and his journey in balancing IT innovation with savvy investments.
Tune in to explore the role of technology in creating interactive learning enviro...
Welcome to Season 2 of the Active Listener Podcast, hosted by Dominique Johnson-Lindsay. In this enlightening session, Dominique welcomes Lisa DeLapo, the Information and Instructional Technology Director at Union School District, San Jose, California. Join us as Lisa shares her journey from the medical field to education, detailing her path to becoming a tech director.
Listen in as Lisa discusses her experiences during the pande...
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