Music to Lead to: Recent Episodes
Brett Stringer
For close to 20 years, I have been a teacher and school leader. Over the years, I’ve have had many discussions with leaders (in and outside of education) across the nation on how music has impacted the way they lead and has been reflected in the arc of their careers.Each week, I sit down with leaders from across the country and ask them 5 questions: 4 questions that they prepare for and one surprise question at the end. I am absolutely honored to have the opportunity to learn from all of my guests, and I hope your do to.
MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL! This week, I sit down with two southern California moms that also kick ass in the law and PR world. Let's celebrate motherhood by diving into the music that inspires us, consoles us, and embarrasses our kids!
Our conversations the spectrum from Van Morrison to Danzig to Weezer to Dolly Parton. I feel so honored to have had time with Jen and Claire. I hope you enjoy the final episode of season 1. We will be back!
Mother's Day Mix Tape
- Bulls on Parade-RATM
- Into the Mystic-Van Morrison
- The Promise-Sturgil Simpson
- Freedom-George Michael
- Mother-Danzig
- The Seed (2.0)-The Roots
- Get Involved-Raphael Saadiq
- Jolene-Dolly Parton
- Say It Aint So-Weezer
- Warm Love-Van Morrison
- Flower-Amos Lee
- Old Shep-Elvis
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas-Judy Garland
- Atlantic City-The Band
- Lovely Day-Bill Withers
- Sweet Disposition-The Temper Trap
- Orange Sky-Alexi Murdoch
- Time to Move On-Tom Petty
This week's guest is the unofficial moral compass of eastern seaboard, at least in mind. Jesse Rector is a fighter. He breaks down systemic barriers. He stands for what is right and is unapologetic about being a loud voice for equity.
Jesse is Jersey born and raised, where it's hard not to be influenced by The Boss himself. At an early age, punk rock "wrapped its arms around him" and he never looked back. I've been looking forward to this conversation for years. Enjoy!
Jesse Rector's Top 5
- Sunny Side of the Streets - The Pogues
- (White Man) in Hammersmith Palais - The Clash
- Every Statue Must Come Down - Murkage Dave
- Bringin' It Down - Judge
- Racing in the Street - Bruce Springsteen
This week's guest is truly a change-maker in the world of diversity, equity and inclusion. Jesse Ross, a DEI consultant and community activist, is constantly on the move in order to build the collective standing of community. In the wake of George Floyd's murder, Jesse started a bi-weekly virtual space for white men and women, to discuss their role in systemic racism and to determine a path forward.
Our conversation covers the spectrum from the value of self-care to the demands of others and how he keeps integrity at the center of it all. We talk faith, family, movies and optimism.
Jesse Ross' Top 5
- Kendrick Lamar - The Heart Part 5
- In the Room - Dreamville
- Bless Me - Maverick City Music, Kirk Franklin
- CATFISH BLACKENED w/ GRITS - Toby Nwigwe, CeeLo Green
- Why Would I Stop - Big Sean
This week's buck-wild guest is one of the most innovative and energetic leaders I have ever met. Whatever challenge is in front of Sean, he faces it with a creative mind and has put it all on the line for his communities and family.
Our conversation weaves through a life well lived. We explore the connection of our lives and our families and how music reflects a humble beginning in Florida to being an amazing school leader, coach, dad and husband.
Sean's Top 5 (Listen on Spotify)
- Bruuuh - JID and Denzel Curry
- Invincible - Pop Smoke
- Back in Blood - Pooh Shiesty
- Anathema - Twenty One Pilots
- Mouthful of Diamonds - Phantagram
This week's episode is with THE Jen Jackson, Principal of AUL Denver, an alternative high school that works to end the school to prison pipeline. She is a fierce leader that has served communities in need of a voice and innovative leadership.
We talk about her roots in punk rock, how Bill Withers' words help us in tragedy and the love a mom has for her kids.
The Jen Jackson's Top 5
- Heroes - David Bowie
- The Center Won’t Hold - Sleater-Kinney
- King - Florence + the Machine
- Phone Jumpin - Dave East
- Love Song - The Lazy Realtors
This week's guest is Yusuf Abdullah, Associate Superintendent for Minneapolis Public Schools. Yusuf and I were both high school principals in Minneapolis and his leadership not only inspired me, but countless students, parents, teachers and school leaders.
Our conversation begins in Racine, Wisconsin and takes us through a 5-Star career and life. We talk about family, culture and the need to continue to Fight the Power for our future generations.
Yusuf's Top 5
- Killing Me Softly - The Fugees
- What More Can I Say - Jay-Z
- The Bigger Picture - Lil Baby
- Nipsey Hussle - The Marathon
- Top of the World - 8Ball and MJG
This week's guest is Prudence Daniels, a lead partner at the Denver Green School. In the word's of Pru: "Music is life!"
Our discussion is focused on the periphery, the outsiders, the artists that think differently and push against the system. These are the causes that Pru is drawn to and has applied to her leadership. It's a wild ride!
Pru's Top 5 (or 6)
- Danny Nedelko - The Idles
- Wicked and Bad - Bob Vylan
- Health is Wealth - Bob Vylan
- Hertz - Amyl and the Sniffers
- What Feels Like an Eternity - Metric
- Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift
This week's guest is Dr. Michael Walker, associate superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools. Michael is one of the strongest advocates for the students of MPS and has worked tirelessly to end the the systems that continue to uphold white supremacy.
Michael was born in Gary, Indiana and grew up in Minneapolis. The foundation for his musical influence is of course the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Dr. Walker and I also talk about the balance of reflection and action. This is a must listen/see episode!
WATCH IT HERE Dr. Walker's Top 5
- They School - Dead Prez
- Wu-Revolution - Wu-Tang Clan
- Git Up, Git Out - Outkast
- Ain’t No Sunshine - Michael Jackson
- Radioactive - Imagine Dragons
This episode's conversation is rooted in a 40 year friendship. Ross, CEO of Mountain Family Health Centers, has followed in his father's footsteps and is a true social justice giant. He believes that health care is a human right and has fought for the last 20 years for equity of access and care.
His wide range of music taste has supported his leadership from an early age. We span the spectrum from Christian rap, to classical, to classic rock, to rap to South African jazz!
Watch it HERE
Ross' Top 5
- Don’t Stop Believing - Journey
- Radar Love - Golden Earring
- Love Me or Leave Me - Nina Simone
- Weird Fishes - Radiohead
- Wedding Song - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
This week's episode is a discussion in the making for over a decade as I sit down with Dr. Tony Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Denver Public Schools. Tony hired me in my first leadership role and I owe much of my career to him.
We quickly get into how Tony is very much a child of hip-hop and there are so many artists that have inspired him over his career. We talk about how leadership is multi-faceted and how music can bring us back to an exact time and space in our lives.
WATCH IT HERE
Tony's Top 5 (6)
- Come Down - Anderson .Paak
- PRBLMS - 6LACK
- The Look of Love - Isaac Hayes
- The Roc - Cam’ron
- Devil’s Pie - D’Angelo
- Break Ya Neck - Wu-Tang Clan
This week's guest (and my very first guest), is Natalie Mullin, a marketing lead at Zoom.
While admittedly, my hosting skills need to be honed, I truly appreciate Natalie's willingness to discuss how music has shaped her and inspires her. We talked about how David Crosby is one of the few things that connect her to her dad. We discuss the role of music in being a hispanic female leader in a largely male dominated industry. And we talk about the reality of getting older and how much energy we need to save to give it our all.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_C-EGfACc4&t=32s