Guest:

• Mark Horner, Principal of Tallmadge High School (OH)

• Former teacher and coach

• Co-host of the Between Two Blue Devils student podcast

• Mark shares how student voice, servant leadership, and campus culture drive his daily mission.

• We dive into his Four W’s framework, the revival of the Blue Devils podcast, and how simple habits—like morning greetings—transform school climate.

• 00:00 – Intro & why Mark’s journey matters

• 01:22 – From coach to principal & podcast reboot

• 12:00 – The Four W’s:

  • What’s your foundation?

  • What are you feeding your mind?

  • Who are you serving?

  • Who are you leading?

• 24:34 – Timing, mentorship, and growth into leadership

• 34:00 – Culture moves: greetings, music, and visibility

• 43:10 – Game time: Hall Pass or Homework

• 51:58 – Reflections & takeaways

• 🎧 Student podcasting builds authentic culture – co-host Preston helps connect leadership with student voice.

• 💬 Four W’s = daily reflection tool for both staff and students.

• 🚪 Presence beats policy – greeting kids at the door reduces conflict.

• 🐶 Therapy dogs calm tensions instantly.

• ☕ Principal coffee cart = community & connection.

Rapid-fire campus trends — Mark decides which get a hall pass!

• Pep rallies → 📝 Homework (unless televised!)

• Pajama Day → ✅ Hall Pass

• Student podcasting → ✅✅✅ Hall Pass

• Karaoke Fridays → 🎤 Hall Pass

• TikTok trend → 🎬 Hall Pass

• AI grading → 🤔 Hall Pass (with human review)

• Bring-your-dog day → 🐾 Hall Pass

• “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.”

• “You’ve already overcome your worst day.”

• “Plug the cracks and become a better version of yourself.”

• How to Win Friends & Influence People – Dale Carnegie

• Between Two Blue Devils Podcast (Tallmadge High School)

• LinkedIn

• Tallmadge HS Site

• Instagram @thsmr_horner

If this episode inspired you, rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ on Spotify and share with a fellow educator who leads with heart.

🔹 Episode Summary⏱️ Chapters💡 Highlights🏫 Game: “Hall Pass or Homework”💬 Quotables📚 Mentioned Resources📣 Connect with Mark Horner🎧 Listen & Subscribe