Episodes

Ever feel like someone is deliberately trying to get under your skin? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional landmines of leadership—those moments when students, staff, or parents seem to poke at e...

No one really talks about the quiet grief that comes with stepping into leadership—until now. In this reflective and deeply human episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the often-unspoken losses that accompany a leadership title. On...

Sometimes the school hallways aren’t the only places where bullying happens. In this honest and vulnerable episode, Susan and Tessa recount personal experiences where they were made to feel small—times they were belittled, ca...

Do we truly see what’s right in front of us? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack a common leadership tendency—focusing on what’s broken instead of what’s blooming. When we're constantly scanning for problems to solve, we ...

Think back to learning how to drive. You may have watched from the passenger seat, played racing video games, or confidently ridden the Cars attraction at Disneyland. But none of those experiences truly prepared you for the r...

Leadership comes with many rewards but also with a heavy cost: time. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa open up about the guilt that often shadows school leaders as they juggle long hours, late-night events...

A sigh, a smirk, a well-timed eye roll are all silent cues, which can speak volumes about a workplace culture. In this episode, Tessa kicks things off with a story that many of us have witnessed: a cashier fumbling through a ...

What if the most powerful leadership move you make today is simply noticing? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack what happens when we move past assumptions and lean into compassion. When a colleague hasn’t smiled in month...

In this honest and empowering episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the fear many young leaders have of admitting, "I don't know." Early in leadership, we often feel pressure to have all the answers, hiding our uncertainties out of...

In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dive into leadership insights inspired by Eric Danetz’s article highlighting four essential lessons from first responders. As school leaders, it can often feel like we’re constantly ...

In this important conversation, Susan and Tessa unpack the common leadership dilemma—how to hold others accountable without being labeled a micromanager. They explore what happens when leaders avoid addressing issues like tar...

In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa explore how our outlook, positive or negative, impacts our mindset, our leadership, and our daily productivity. Tessa shares how negativity often becomes our default setting, especi...

In this encouraging episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a concept from Tessa’s latest article—“Figure-out-able.” As leaders, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and fall into a spiral of doubt when challenges seem unsolvable. But wi...

As the school year winds down, it’s easy to feel like hitting a quick reset button and moving on—but real growth requires more than a simple reboot. In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa invite leaders to pause and trul...

In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy for leaders to spiral into the “what if” cycle, losing focus and direction. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the realities of leading when the future feels unclear and distractio...

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt: Tessa Brock Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and...

In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional weight so many of us carry, both seen and unseen, in our daily roles as educators and leaders. Inspired by Tessa’s recent article, they dive into the metaphor o...

In this episode, Susan shares a sweet and funny moment with her granddaughter, who has entered the “Why?” phase of childhood, responding to every request with that simple, yet profound question. While it may be endearing, and...

Do you ever feel a heaviness settle in as Sunday winds down? In this episode, Susan and Tessa open up about the all-too-common "Sunday Blues"—that anxious feeling as the week ahead begins to take over your thoughts. From staf...

Sometimes as leaders, our enthusiasm can unintentionally overshadow others. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a story from Tessa’s recent newsletter blog about leading a staff birthday celebration and realizing after...

What does it really mean to “fake it till you make it” in leadership? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the phrase and explore the balance between confidence and authenticity. As new leaders, it's common to step into ro...

As a leader, it can feel like no matter what decision you make—someone will be upset. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the all-too-familiar “Blame Game,” where staff, students, or parents point fingers, and leaders ...

Taking risks is part of leadership but what happens when the outcome stings? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a powerful article Tessa shared, sparking a vulnerable conversation about stepping into opportunity, faci...

It’s a celebration! In this milestone episode, Susan and Tessa reflect on the incredible journey to 100 episodes and express heartfelt gratitude to the people who helped make it all possible—family, friends, special guests, a...