Virtual School Assembly: Recent Episodes
Tyler Christensen
Virtual School Assembly brings the assembly to you! These assemblies are created to inspire, entertain, and educate students learning from school or from home. Host and productivity speaker Tyler Christensen interviews Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes, Olympians, motivational speakers, and educators on issues and topics that are relevant, timely, and that matter to students.
Tyler Christensen is a 3x TEDx speaker, a teacher, an ultramarathon runner and the host of Virtual School Assembly. In this episode he shares the five greatest lessons he’s learned over the last 15 months (during the COVID 19 pandemic) and does a Q&A session about the show.
Josh Perry is a former professional BMX athlete, motivational speaker, certified holistic health coach, and multiple brain tumor survivor. In this episode he shares how a sports injury led to the discovery of brain tumors.
Courtney Roselle is a motivational speaker, a fitness model, a strength and conditioning coach, and a cross fit athlete. She recently competed on NBC’s The Titan Games, where she was the East Coast champion. In this episode she talks about body positivity and how she got past people telling her she had the wrong body and became a model AND an elite athlete.
Rashard Fant is a corner back in the NFL. In this episode he shares his journey to the NFL, how he excelled at sports despite several disadvantages, and how he continues to excel in an uncertain world.
Keith Lightfoot is an author, speaker, songwriter, and teacher. In this episode he shares the idea of Unlocking the Learning as he goes through his own life and opportunities he’s had for learning.
Dialleo Burks is a former professional football player (NFL, XFL, NFL Europe, Arena League) and a current teacher and football coach. In this episode Dialleo shares his path to the NFL and other football leagues as well as his experience coaching football.
Kirsten Carter is a life coach that helps millennials and gen-z find their passion. In this episode she talks about “the purposed journey” and how students can find their purpose and passion. She also shares the realities (the good and the bad) of being an entrepreneur.
Drake Callender is a professional soccer player for Intermiami CF, a new MLS franchise. In this episode he shares his journey to the pros, the challenges of being an athlete during COVID, and gives advice to students interested in pursuing a career as a professional athlete.
Justin Mott is a video production artist, reporter, and photographer. In this episode he talks about being creative and shares how he has pursued his passion projects on the side while maintaining a creative job.
Allie Rivera is an actress and a producer, performing everywhere from Nickelodeon to Horror films. In this episode she shares her journey to Hollywood, including a crazy experience from college where she faced blatant discrimination. She also shares how she’s dealt with rejection, built confidence, and branched out into producing.
Dominic Pac is a character actor best known for his role as Gekko the bounty hunter in Disney’s The Mandalorian. In this episode he shares his journey to Hollywood, his experience living one of his childhood dreams as he’s been part of the Star Wars universe, and how kids can find acting opportunities in their own communities right now.
Suzi Dent is a hair, makeup, and special effects artist in film and television. In this episode she shares a message of positivity and finding your true passion.
Brian Kurtis is an actor on television, in movies, and on the stage. In this episode he shares his journey into acting as well as the highs and lows of working in Hollywood.
Kyle Auffray is the VP of sales for Gamebreaker and a former NFL tight end. In this episode he shares how the work ethic that he developed as an elite athlete has translated over to the business arena. She talks about the highs and lows of competing in the NFL, switching positions, business, and creating a personal brand.
Bob Abernethy is the president and co-founder of Yosemite Analytics. In this episode he shares how to overcome the fear of speaking in public. He talks about his book “Loving your Audience”, how non-speakers can approach speaking, and how to find opportunities to speak if you enjoy speaking.
Mandell Frazier is a Hollywood actor with roles in Tyler Perry’s “If Loving is Wrong,” CBS’s “The Young and the Restless,” and the action series “NCIS: Los Angeles.” In this episode he shares about his childhood in Detroit, his involvement in the church, and his journey to Hollywood. He also has an incredible fitness journey and great advice for kids looking to get into acting.
Uchenna Umeh (Dr. Lulu) is a pediatrician, author, speaker, and youth suicide activist. In this episode she shares her experience with suicide, bullying, and racism.
Grace Dafoe is a Canadian national team skeleton athlete. In this episode she walks us through her journey to making the national skeleton team, the ins-and-outs of being an elite athlete, and how to chase your dreams even as you get older.
Sadia Carone is a writer, an actress, and a member of Mensa. In this episode she talks about what it takes to be a writer.
Milan Ristić is a Serbian hurdler, national team member, and coach. In this episode he shares details of his childhood in Serbia, moving to the U.S. for college, and joining the Serbian national team and competing at the Rio Olympics.
Jeff Platt is an award-winning TV news reporter in California. In this episode he shares his journey into journalism and reporting, talks about the benefits of working in smaller markets, and gives great advice on how to be curious, ask critical questions, get real world experience and solve problems.
Jeremy Wolf is the Executive Director of More Than Baseball, a former minor league baseball player, and an Olympian. In this episode we talk about baseball as America’s past time, Jeremy’s journey through the minor leagues and making the Olympic team, and what he’s doing with More than Baseball to promote and support the game.
Hira Ali is a career coach and trainer, the CEO of Advancing Your Potential, Managing Director of International Women Empowerment Events, and a co-Founder of Career Excel and The Grey Area. In this episode she shares her journey in entrepreneurship, how she wrote and launched her first book, and how she networks to provide real value.
Anjelika Reznik is an Olympian, competing in rhythmic gymnastics in the London 2012 games. In this episode she explains the differences between different types of competition gymnastics, what she does to train and balance sport with school, and how to be a good team member.
Matt “Handshaking” Holmes is a world record holder, marketer, and founder of Handshaking.com. In this episode he shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the pros and cons of living a digital nomad lifestyle, and some of the basics of creating a personal brand.
Ronnie Gray is a professional basketball player and filmmaker. In this episode he shares his improbable journey from being cut from his high school basketball team to playing in college and professionally. He shares how he created the documentary Underrated and gives advice for how to be more unified during this politically charged and uncertain time.
Gregory Griffith is a teacher, coach, author, entrepreneur, and entertainer. In this episode he shares his journey into entrepreneurship, writing a book, and starting an entertainment business. He gives tons of advice for improving productivity and becoming a life-long learner.
Rachel Breton is a sports psychologist and a former professional soccer player. In this episode she talks about mental toughness. She shares how she’s dealt with setbacks, works with others, life-long learning, and how she’s established productive routines in her life.
Brent Valle is an entrepreneur, speaker, mentor, adventurer, and dad. In this episode he shares his journey in business, as well as her personal journey in meeting his birth parents and discovering his heritage. He shares some of the many philanthropies he has created and how he’s putting good back into the world.
Brad Kohler is a three-time MMA world champion, two-time UFC fighter, and the inventor of the Combohitter. In this episode he shares his experience of being on top of the world as a fighter, to falling to homelessness, and how he rebounded to become a successful inventor, author, and business owner.
Dee Borgoyn is a trainer, speaker, and author. In this episode she shares a message of being authentically you and showing compassion. She shares her own experiences learning and growing with “not just” one hand and reminds us that “compassion is an action word.”
Jason Stuart is a prolific character actor. In this episode he shares the ups and downs of working in Hollywood, finding success as a comedian, and why he wrote a book about coming out in Hollywood.
Cortney Hicks is a morning news anchor. In this episode she shares the ups and down of being a media personality, her transition from radio to news, how she’s learned about other cultures, and how she’s been able to learn and grow in her profession.
Daniel Lawson Jr. got into Hollywood AFTER retirement from his job as a purchasing agent. In this episode we talk about his journey in the performing arts, getting into Hollywood later in life, and all the lessons he’s learned along the way.
Dr. Natasha Ball Dunson is an assistant principal and has over 18 years experience in education. In this episode she shares how students can be a leader and cites examples from leaders she has met in her own life.
Celestia Barby is a confidence life coach, a speaker, entrepreneur, model, and author. In this episode she share her journey from a childhood of addiction and substance abuse to how she ended up as a successful model, author, coach, and business owner.
LaBelle Nambangi is a woman’s empowerment speaker, an author, and a college readiness coach. In this episode she discusses the labels teachers put on her as a child because she is a girl, her move from Cameroon Africa to the United States and becoming an author. She also talks about dusting off the labels and finding success despite the stereotypes and discrimination others may use against you.
Marcos Mateo Ochoa is an actor in film and television. In this episode he discusses the inevitability of failure and the role of failure in attaining success. We dig into his background as an actor, geek out on improvement in any area, and even discuss strategies in preparing and learning from auditions and interviews.
Dan Devone is a five-time Emmy Award winning sportscaster and sports talk radio personality. In this episode he shares how challenges he faced in his early career built his character and helped him know himself. He challenges youth going through the pandemic to identify who they are as a person so they can become stronger and do more.
Anthony Trucks is a former NFL linebacker and American Ninja Warrior. He now speaks, coaches, and hosts the Aww Shift podcast. In this episode he shares his story of growing up in the foster care system, having success in football, but needing to make shifts in his life when things went wrong.
Leontyne Anglin is a former corporate executive turned media consultant. In this episode she shares her journey into volunteerism and shares ideas for how students can start volunteering in their communities.
Natalie Shugars is an actress, singer, Maxim magazine model, and creator of the show N’at Around Town. In this episode she shares the story of her upbringing, including the bullying that forced her to miss her “milestone moment”, her journey into the entertainment industry, and coming back home to Pittsburgh where she was able to realize that milestone moment.
Kyle Wilz is an entrepreneur, speaker, and business coach. In this episode he talks about how he stepped into entrepreneurship, what he has done to network and create meaningful relationships, and how he has found success in business.
Anne-Michael Smith is an actress, writer, and new mom. In this episode she shares part of her road to acting and how she’s found success on television. We also talk about asking for help and the value sign language brings in communicating with and serving others in under-served populations.
Ken Holmes is an actor, writer, and producer based out of New York. In this episode he shares his journey into Hollywood, from his days tape recording himself as a child, to his early stage productions, to a super busy 2020 with dozens of film and television credits despite covid.
Israel Mendoza is a marriage and family therapist and a doctoral student in counseling psychology. In this episode he shares ideas for how to stay connected, stay positive, and improve relationships during COVID.
Rose Wetzel is an American Ninja Warrior finalist and professional obstacle course racer. In this episode she talks about growing up in a large family, going across the country for college, and becoming a professional athlete in her 30s. She also recaps her experience with American Ninja Warrior and gives some great advice on setting goals.
Penelope Lagos is an actress, model, and children’s book author. In this episode she walks us through her journey to becoming a writer, and share tips on writing in the children’s book niche. She also shares how she has used her own life experiences as inspiration for her stories and how she looks to solve problems for kids.
Mike Provenzano overcame a rough childhood as a foster child to become a successful professional. Then, in his late 40s he decided to give modeling and acting a try and he’s now a working actor, director, and producer. In this episode we go through his journey and talk about his new web series “Quarantine Island” and film festivals “From a Distance film festival” and “Stars Festival.”
Rory Jennings is a professional rugby player. In this episode he walks you through a day in the life of a professional rugby player, starting with his story of growing up in the sport and following that with a typical training day, the highs and lows of competing at the highest level, and advice for kids considering a career in professional rugby.
Danielle Campo McLeod is a former Paralympic swimmer that has held a total of eight world records. In this episode she shares her story of growing up with a disability and how she became a world-class swimmer. She also shares her thoughts around supporting others who are different, setting and accomplishing big goals, and what is bringing her happiness now.
Tammy Cunnington is a Paralympian, world record holder, and public speaker. In this episode she shares here story of resilience and perseverance in overcoming a childhood accident to become a world class athlete and eventual Paralympian.
Geoff Lewis is the Assistant Director of Employer Relations, Career & Professional Development at Southern Utah University. In this episode he speaks about his experience speaking at TEDxSUU and then in hosting the event the following year. He also shares his message for dealing with anxiety with three steps: stop, breathe, and design.
Katie Von Till is an actress and voice over artist, best known as the voice of Snow White. In this episode Katie shares her journey to Hollywood (via New York), the realities of being a working actress, an overview of the voice work industry, and how she became Disney’s latest Snow White. She also gives kids great advice on how to start now to pursue a career as an actor.
Akeem Haynes is an Olympic sprinter, an author, and a motivational speaker. In this episode he shares his own story of being homeless as a child and how he overcame that to become a two-time Olympian. He explains how he’s been able to live a life of gratitude, find time to write books, and the importance of leaving a legacy and finding your gifts.
Nicoline Ambe is a speaker and travel advisor. In this episode of #VirtualSchoolAssembly she talks about finding your voice and dreaming big. As a travel advisor she talks about opportunities for service, helping others see the world, and the value in being exposed to different cultures. Finally, she shares the importance of learning through books and video, and how to virtually travel during times like this (COVID).
Drs. Miranda Ming and Rhonda Key are school administrators invested in transforming school culture. In this episode they share ideas on how to take the path less traveled in order to transform school culture and better serve our students.
Ricky Sapp is a former NFL linebacker and current motivational speaker, the dancing substitute teacher, and founder of the Ricky Sapp Foundation. In this episode of #VirtualSchoolAssembly Ricky shares his story of transitioning out of the NFL, overcoming setbacks, and dreaming and living big.
Michelle Enjoli is a business owner, a speaker, and a career coach. In this episode she walks students through the process of investigating different potential careers, gives suggestions for how to start making connections and gaining experience, and shares how to begin building a personal brand and platform.
Joshua Pelland is an ex-military and rock climber that has survived a fall that resulted in a life-changing spinal cord injury. In this episode she shares how he was able to rehab and find cheerfulness in adversity, becoming a para-athlete, and being a life-long learner.
Bea Wray is a speaker, business owner, and author. In this episode she shares her road to becoming an entrepreneur and business owner, reasons for homeschooling her children, nuggets from her book “What an MBA taught me that my Kids Made me Learn”, and some positives that have come over COVID with simplifying and focusing on what matters most.
Daryl is a professional soccer player from Northern Ireland. In this episode he talks about his development in youth soccer in Ireland, the ups and downs of his long professional career, and how the riots and social tension he felt as a youth in northern Ireland are once again playing out around the world.
Lance Koudele is a 2017 X-Games Gold Medalist as a photographer and videographer. He is an avid skier/boarder, surfer, biker and traveler. In this episode he discusses flow states and finding focus and clarity as well as how to pursue your passion with reckless abandon.
Mills Rodgers is an author, teacher, and speaker. In this episode he shares his journey from childhood to the military to becoming a special education teacher, an author and a speaker. His message of resilience and making a difference in the world is one that anyone can connect with and it’s inspiring to see all that “Mr. Rodge” has been able to do!
Sean Bennett is an actor who has worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. He is also a media guest, author, keynote speaker, and television host. In this episode he shares his experience of changing schools and trying to fit in, overcoming bullying and being his authentic self, what it’s like working with some of the biggest starts in Hollywood, and why he wrote a book about getting deals.
Dawn Ellery is a human resources professional. In this episode she talks about labels, dealing with depression, and how to develop a strong mental health foundation. Dawn is vulnerable in bringing up experiences from her own life as she gives great advice on how to better understand where others are coming from, how to reach out to get support if you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, and how avoid negativity and surround yourself with great people.
Kyle Willkom is a speaker, workshop facilitator, and educational consultant. In this episode he shares the message of action packed leadership.
Robby is the Vice President & General Manager of WTVY & WRGX. In this episode he walks us through his journey into marketing, advertising, and news media, and how he transitioned into local journalism.
Natalie Allport is a former Canadian national team snowboarder, entrepreneur, multi-sport athlete and podcast host. In this episode she talks about getting started as a professional athlete and as an entrepreneur. She shares what she did as a kid and high school to learn social media, entrepreneurship, and branding, and shares advice for developing useful skills and creating a personal brand.
Kenneth Scott is a former wide receiver in the NFL and CFL. In this episode of Virtual School Assembly he encourages students to dream big by setting SMART goals, taking action, and not fearing failure. He shares some of the ups and downs of his collegiate and pro careers and even talks about his own goals and dreams moving forward.
Dustin Peterson is the author of RESET: How to Get Paid and Love What You Do, founder and CEO at Proof Leadership Group, and a career coach. In this episode of Virtual School Assembly he shares three keys to choosing a major and/or career in an area that will be fulfilling to you, explores how to better understand yourself and your strengths, and testing the waters in different careers.
Samantha Stewart is a 10x Canadian National Medalist in women's wrestling and is training for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. In this episode she talks about what it is like to be a female in a male dominated sport, why she tries to “be strong,” not “strong for a girl”, how she is training in preparation for the Tokyo Olympics, and what kids can do to set goals and live a healthy life.
Ross Katz is a Producer, Content Creator and Filmmaker. He is the producer of award winning films Lost in Translation, Taking Chance, and In the Bedroom. In this episode he outlines his journey to Hollywood, describes how he developed skills that would ultimately lead to his success in film, and how he has dealt with the ups, downs, and uncertainty that comes in Hollywood but that is also facing all of us now amid COVID.
Amobi Okugo is a professional soccer player and the founder of A Frugal Athlete. In this episode Amobi shares his journey from childhood to professional soccer player and the creation of A Frugal Athlete. She also shares financial advice for athletes and for everyone else too.
Tom Mustin has been a TV news anchor and reporter for more than twenty years. In this episode he recounts his journey into television news, and shares advice for how to be successful in any profession or endeavor.
Claire Felix is a professional volleyball player currently playing in France. In this episode she describes her experience going from a young ballerina and model to becoming a volleyball star (now playing professionally overseas). She also tackles the issues of body shaming and mental health, bringing in her own experience.
Trent Bray is the founder of Hustle Energy and the podcast host for the Hustle the Day podcast. In this episode he shares part of his entrepreneurial journal and discusses the value of taking consistent action. We also dig into being a family man, working from home during COVID-19, and what it takes to start a business and a podcast.
CJ Watson has played in the NBA for 12 years with the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and the Chicago Bulls. He is the author of CJ’s Big Dream—a children’s book about following your passion. In this episode he shares his unconventional road to the NBA and to becoming a children’s book author.
Monica Kretschmer is the founder and CEO of Universal Womens Network, and the host of the Women of Inspiration podcast. In this episode we talk about the value in networking, having a support system, developing leadership skills, and supporting women.
Vanessa “Siren” Mahan is a Weapons System and electronic warfare officer flying in both the F-15E Strike Eagle and the EA-6B Prowler. She is a Lt Col in the USAFR and is currently an Air Operations Officer with Special Operations at Camp Smith, Hawaii. In this episode she talks about setting big goals, how she was able to fly under-the-radar and find success, and how she started her own business.
Gurdeep Ahluwalia is News Anchor for CP24 Breakfast. In this episode he talks about his journey to becoming a news anchor and what opportunities he took along the way in order to learn and grow in the media industry.
Alex Gough made history at PyeongChang 2018, winning a bronze medal in the women’s singles event, Canada’s first ever Olympic medal in the sport of luge. Two days later, she stood on the podium again, alongside her teammates, after winning silver in the mixed team relay event. In this episode she walks us through her career in luge and the role of team and family in her success.
Joe Fingerhut is a unicycling magician, trampoline Dad, and crazy fun speaker at conferences, organizations and schools on leadership and success. In this episode he encourages students to overcome their excuses and gives “permission to play”. He changes the language from “I can’t” to “how can I?” Along the way we get to do “the arm thing”, hear of his overseas travels, and even see him unicycle.
Scott Shellstrom is an artist and business innovator who teaches how to value your inner creativity. In this episode he shares how to unleash your inner Di Vinci as a creator and life-long learner.
Moushaumi Robinson represented the United States as part of the gold medal winning 4x400m relay team in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. In this episode she talks about her childhood, collegiate running, and Olympic journey. She shares with youth how they can become their greatest YOU!
Jamie Sale is an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating, a mother, a life coach, and an advocate for people with special needs. In this episode she recounts her journey as a professional skater, participating in the Olympics, and the role of visualization in success.
Eileen Grubba is an award-winning actress, writer, public speaker, and producer. She has appeared recently in HBO’s Watchmen, CBS’s SWAT, Netflix’s The Politician, and so many others. In this episode she shares her story of growing up with a disability, overcoming cancer, and finding success in Hollywood. She encourages students to be “the cool kid”, just like the screenwriter of Wonder was the cool kid for her.
Anil Gupta is an author, speaker, and relationship coach. In this episode he shares how to authentically give during difficult times.
Charlie “The Spaniard” Brenneman is a former junior high Spanish teacher, UFC fighter, and reality show winner. He is a professional speaker, an author of two books, and the host of his own podcast show. In this episode he shares his story of leaving the classroom to become a professional MMA fighter.
Grant Baldwin is an author, speaker, and entrepreneur. In this episode he shares how he transitioned from being a youth pastor to making a living as a professional speaker, the ups and downs of running a business, and his advice for youth facing an uncertain future.
Amber Harper is an author, educator, Google Certified Trainer, Teacher Burnout Coach, and podcast host. In this episode she describes teacher burn out and outlines eight steps for going from burned-out to burned-in.
Scott Harvey is a former FBI trained hostage negotiator and public information officer that has taught thousands of D.A.R.E classes. Now he is a business owner, a keynote speaker, and podcast host. In this episode he discusses the technology trends impacting students right now and how they can actually benefit by utilizing technology to network and build a brand.
Rich “Trigger” Bontrager spent 30 years as a sports broadcaster, talk-show host, and now as a keynote speaker. In this episode he teaches how to rock the virtual stage, sharing tips on how to effectively utilize zoom to teach and communicate with students and parents.
Dr. James Pedersen is Superintendent for the Essex County Schools of Technology in New Jersey. In this episode he shares how his district transitioned to remote learning and what opportunities exist for going virtual in the future. He shares some cool ideas around virtual scavenger hunts, field trips, and orientations.
Dr. Christopher Willard is a psychologist, speaker, educational consultant, and a teacher at the Harvard Medical School. In this episode he explains why stress is such an issue in schools today and what we can do as teachers to be more mindful in the classroom. He leads us through some breathing exercises and explains why regulated breathing is so important.
Dr. Jerald Barris is a high school principal at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. In this episode he explains the opportunities and silver linings that he observed during the pandemic, shares the importance of clear, concise communication, and ideas for social interaction in a virtual world.
Joe Bremgartner is an associate superintendent in human resources for the Fontana (CA) unified school district. In this episode he shares ideas for preparing for the future and setting yourself and your school up for success.
Niki Spears is an author, speaker, and co-founder of The Energy Bus for Schools Leadership Journey. In this episode she shares the struggle she experienced as a teacher and school principal and what teachers can do to find the beauty underneath the struggle. We also talk about the book writing process.
Dali Rivera is an U.S. Army veteran, speaker, and parent. She’s also the creator of the Anti-Bullying & Diversity Academy (DABA). In this episode she recounts her own childhood experiences with bullying and offers up suggestions for how parents and teachers can address bullying with their kids.
Kevin Goralczyk is the principal at Michigan City high school. In this episode he talks about the importance of having an actual classroom teacher and how teachers now facing online or hybrid instruction can continue to have meaningful contact with students and parents.