Episodes

Send us Fan Mail Monica Willis, Escambia County Public Schools Military Liaison, and Command Master Chief Jim Wallace at Naval Air Station Pensacola, share how our community rallies around our military families. They talk about the unique partnership between Escambia County Public Schools, the civilian benefit to military family presence and share real examples of classroom advantages. Guests: Monica Willis & Jim Wallace https://www.escambiaschools.org/cio#calendar5446/20250305/month Vo...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Okan Elidemir is the Chief of Pulmonology at Nemours Children’s Health. In this episode, he shares cases of vaping injury, how addictive it is compared to regular smoking, and how to talk to your kids about consequences, peer pressure and managing stress. Guest: Dr. Okan Elidemir Nemours Pensacola https://tinyurl.com/yckx7cyw | https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/vaping-vs-smoking | Info on Evali https://tinyurl.com/6jxhmjy5 Vote for Voices United in Education...

Send us Fan Mail Wendi Davis, Visitor Experience Manager at the UWF Historic Trust, shares how the downtown Children's Museum acts as a keeper of community story to become a prized community resource for kids (8 and under), parents and therapists. You’ll hear how Playologists reimagine exhibits in order to encourage exploration and learning and the many ways you can get free admission. Guest: Wendi Davis https://historicpensacola.org/plan-your-visit/museums-properties/pensacola-childrens-muse...

Send us Fan Mail Tyler Newton is the President of the Panhandle Bowhunters and Archery Association. In this episode, Tyler talks about the Klondike Archery Park, an incredible but not well-known resource for college scholarship opportunities, family outdoor time and important life lessons in building patience and confidence. Guest: Tyler Newton https://myfwc.com/hunting/safety-education/shooting-ranges/klondike/ | https://www.facebook.com/panhandle.bowhunters Vote for Voices United in E...

Send us Fan Mail Robin Largue served as a coach and consultant for Studer Education, coaching superintendents, school boards & educational executive teams. She also worked with district partners across the county to better develop environments for learning, working and achieving. In the episode, Robin shares how hard-edged lines like data & goals work together with softer edged lines like leadership & relationships to develop positive environments for learning, working and achievi...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Megan Pratt is the Executive Director and Nicole Dickson is the Program Presenter at the Pensacola MESS Hall. In this episode, they share how hands-on activities and stations—built around science, engineering and math—open kids and learners of all ages to explore and express themselves. Guests: Megan Pratt, PhD & Nicole Dickson https://pensacolamesshall.org/ Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best on the Coast! https://form...

Send us Fan Mail Michael Johnston, Associate Vice President of Institutional Research and Enterprise, and Angelica Coonts, Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Pensacola State College share tips about completing FASFA (Free Application for Student Financial Aid). They cover common misconceptions, who is eligible, what kind of money it can bring in and one BIG tip that will save you tons of time! Guests: Michael Johnston & Angelica Coonts https://financialaid.pensacolastate.edu/ | 850-48...

Send us Fan Mail Lalla Pierce is the principal at Global Learning Academy and Lauren Green is the social services navigator at Children's Home Society. In this episode, they share what makes this elementary school in the heart of downtown Pensacola, a hidden treasure. You'll hear about the unique culture they've cultivated as well as outside-the-box ways both parents and staff are meeting the needs of the students for a better tomorrow. Guests: Lalla Pierce & Lauren Green https://www.esca...

Send us Fan Mail Caroline Gray is the ECPS employee services coordinator with the TPG Cultural Exchange. Johndel Aduka is one of the TPG charter members at O.J. Semmes. They share the behind the scenes of what it takes to qualify for the program, the interview process, cultural comparisons and Johndel’s motivation for teaching in the US. Guests: Caroline Gray & Johndel Aduka https://www.tpgculturalexchange.com/ Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWee...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Ben Renfroe is a neurologist at the Child Neurology Center of Northwest Florida who is passionate about setting kids up for successful adulthood. In this episode, he shares the impact that social media is having on your child’s brain health and gives parents some tools to change behavior and help with social development, communication skills and learning. Guest: Dr. Ben Renfroe https://childneurologycenter.com/ | https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bedtime-math/id637910701 | Sc...

Send us Fan Mail Alicia Gifford is 1 of 13 people in the world selected for the prestigious Art 21 Educator Program and the first from Florida. She shares her experience and how she has witnessed art connect creativity, critical thinking and profound conversation skills in her students. Guest: Alicia Gifford https://tinyurl.com/2nxx6w6w Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best on the Coast! https://form.jotform.com/261185754425158 This helps connect ...

Send us Fan Mail Melanie Fryou is the pediatric medical social worker at Nemours Children's Health and Erica Mack is a registered clinical social work intern at Greenhouse Counseling. In this episode, they share findings from a study on “why kids worry” and provide practical tips, techniques and local resources for parents to help their kids worry less. Guests: Melanie Fryou & Erica Mack https://www.ghcpensacola.com/ |Why Kids Worry Study https://tinyurl.com/2f6buarc | Nemours Pensacola h...

Send us Fan Mail Coach Marquette Oliver is the SOAR academy director and an assistant football coach at Pine Forest High School where he also played and led his team in 2 state championships and 1 national championship. In this episode, he shares how he is elevating his players on the field, in the classroom and in life through Standing on Business Mondays, where students dress in suits and ties on Mondays. You’ll hear how this simple act is changing the trajectory of these young men’s lives ...

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Heather Schultz, the assistant principal at Workman Middle School and Master Chief John Spaulding, the Naval Science instructor at Booker T Washington High School, share how students are taking advantage of the only middle school NJROTC program in Escambia County—one with a unique partnership between the schools. Learn how this program not only builds up students academically and socially, but also provides college scholarships. Guests: Dr. Heather Schultz & Master Ch...

Send us Fan Mail Ruthie Noel is the Executive Director of Achieve Escambia. In this episode she explains the unique role this organization plays in the community and why their number should be in your phone. We talk navigating local resources, finding paths to financial aid and advocating for families. Guest: Ruthie Noel https://www.achieveescambia.org/ | https://escambiachildrenstrust.org/familyresourceguide24-25/ | https://readykidsfl.org/readyrosie | https://www.fastweb.com/ | https://www....

Send us Fan Mail Patty Hightower is the longest serving school board member in Escambia County history, representing District 4 for 20 years. She will also be the first one to encourage you to run. In this episode, she talks about her experience running for and serving on the School Board. She answers behind the scenes questions and proudly highlights the success and changes over the last two decades. Guest: Patty Hightower Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekl...

Send us Fan Mail Kerri Coots, Director of Alternative Education, answers real parent questions about bullying in schools. You'll hear her share stories to encourage change, tips to help parents of both the bully and the bullied, and why she believes promoting acts of kindness is path to sustainable harmony. Guest: Kerri Coots https://www.escambiaschools.org/Page/2852 | School violence reporting index https://tinyurl.com/8ru9yry9 | Report bullying https://tinyurl.com/5n92cv26 Vote for Voices U...

Send us Fan Mail Cathy Rudd is the Principal and Lindsay Sullivan is the Occupational Therapist at Westgate, an Escambia County Public School for students with intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder. In this episode, they share how the Lacey A. Collier Sensory Complex uses the Snoezelen® concept to increase functional communication, develop gross and fine motor skills, de-escalate inappropriate behaviors, and increase desired learning behaviors. Guest: Cathy Rudd & Lindsay...

Send us Fan Mail Want to know why education is a great career path? Bill Slayton shares his teacher's heart and incredible perspective after a career of 52 years in education in Escambia County, which included 16 years on the School Board for District 5. In the largest and fastest growing district in our county, he has left a legacy centered on the students, not only building the leaders of tomorrow, but finding the teachers of the future. Guest: Bill Slayton Vote for Voices United in Educati...

Send us Fan Mail It’s hard to know the important milestones your child might be missing. Teresa Zwierzchowski, the Marketing and Communications Specialist at Help Me Grow Escambia, peels back the curtain on early intervention screenings, shares FREE services you may not know you have access to and what milestones you can screen for at home with your child. Guest: Teresa Zwierzchowski Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best on the Coast! https://form.jotfo...

Send us Fan Mail Keith Leonard, Escambia County Public Schools Superintendent, talks about the history behind the half-cent sales, how it's been spent, future projects and just how much accountability there actually is for these funds. Guest: Keith Leonard Related Links: Half Cent Sales Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best on the Coast! https://form.jotform.com/261185754425158 This helps connect local families with the resources they n...

Send us Fan Mail Escambia County Public Schools Athletic Director Casey Thiele shares why the change in the Name Image Likeness (NIL) rules are important for high school athletes and students not in sports. You'll learn how free NIL resources can help your child avoid mistakes with their next side business and set them up to be confident, savvy young entrepreneurs. Guest: Casey Thiele Related Links: Florida High School Athletic Association | Escambia Athletics Vote for Voices United in E...

Send us Fan Mail Denny Wilson is the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for Escambia County Public Schools and he isn't afraid to answer the question: What schools are good here? In this episode, he shares which schools were awarded Schools of Excellence designation and how other schools are ranking. Guest: Denny Wilson, Escambia County Public Schools School grades: https://tinyurl.com/yc4bax35 Vote for Voices United in Education as "Best Podcast" 2026 in InWeekly's Best ...