Podcast
Active Listener, a Lightspeed Podcast
Hosted by 🎥Lightspeed · EN
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.
26episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Insight To Action: Season 3 Intro With Host Dominique Johnson-Lindsay
Jan 1200:06:01Tap to summarizeSeason 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 every student hear every word. Find Dominique on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/djohnsonlindsay See all the podcast episodes: https://active-listener.lightspeed-tek.com/ Visit Lightspeed at www.lightspeed-tek.com
Transcribe →Experiencing Aha Moments As An Education Leader: A Conversation With Sharyn D'Eon
Dec 1800:27:38Tap to summarizeIn 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 evolving role of technology, why flexible learning pathways matter, and how schools can start building strong culture with the resources they already have. This conversation offers practical, real-world insights for any educator looking to elevate engagement and ensure every student hears every word.
Transcribe →Enhancing Instructional Strategy with Technology: A conversation with Dr. Matthew Woods
Nov 1400:46:50Tap to summarizeIn 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 instructional practices remain grounded in timeless fundamentals even as classrooms evolve. Together, they discuss how leaders can scale high-quality instruction, build genuine teacher buy-in, and use tools like instructional audio to amplify the strategies educators already rely on. Dr. Woods also reflects on the growth of his education podcast and the importance of preparing students to think critically in an increasingly tech-driven world. This episode is essential for educators and leaders who want to integrate technology thoughtfully to elevate teaching, learning, and student access.
Transcribe →Grounding School Culture in Student Voice: A Conversation With Dr. Lisa Dailey
Sep 2600:21:55Tap to summarizeHost 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. They dig into embedding SEL beyond a 20-minute lesson, building true belonging, and preparing brains to learn — especially when trauma walks in the door. Dr. Dailey also breaks down how she protects staff from initiative overload by anchoring every decision to a simple vision: keep students engaged and academically challenged. Finally, she looks ahead to a future where mental health is de-stigmatized, resources are equitable, and every student has doors open after graduation. Perfect for principals, teachers, and anyone passionate about student well-being and instructional excellence.
Transcribe →Connecting Trust to School Safety: A Conversation With Craig Straw
Aug 2900:37:26Tap to summarizeIn 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 Craig discusses why readiness is a daily practice, the importance of building trusted relationships, and how technology can serve as a force multiplier when integrated with strong communication systems. From drills that build muscle memory to balancing safety at large-scale events like Friday night football games, Craig offers a holistic view of what it means to keep campuses safe, secure, and nurturing. Whether you’re an educator, administrator, or community leader, this conversation underscores that true school safety isn’t about fear - it’s about connection, preparation, and ensuring every student can thrive.
Transcribe →Challenging The Safety-Education Landscape: A Conversation With John McDonald
Aug 1500:47:21Tap to summarizeJoin 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 ensure every student feels secure and ready to learn. Drawing on decades of experience, including responding to seven school shootings, John shares lessons on engaging students in meaningful drills, strengthening communication during crises, and making smart, ROI-focused decisions on safety tools. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone committed to protecting students while fostering a welcoming, connected learning environment.
Transcribe →Educing Excellence In K-12 Education
Nov 14, 202400:30:55Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →Activating Technology in K-12
Oct 7, 202400:27:06Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →Reimagining Sound in the Classroom: A Conversation With Azalea Fauveau Williams
Sep 12, 202400:14:01Tap to summarizeNo description available
Transcribe →Integrating Technology In A Rural District: A Conversation With Willie Thomas III
Aug 8, 202400:27:58Tap to summarizeNo description available
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