The Yearbooking Report Podcast

Scott Geesey, CJE
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

Stories, ideas and inspiration now independent for any yearbook adviser, any company, anywhere

  1. 5d ago

    The Yearbooking Report, October 2026 - Better Phone Photography

    Pictures are the #1 element of the yearbook - and always will be no matter what future technology brings. But most yearbooks are filled with images that are, well, dull or poorly shot or people mugging for the camera.  And the camera that most people use today? It's the one in their smartphone, always in their pocket. "The best camera is the one you have with you." How can yearbook staffs take better images with their mobile devices? We talked with Mark Murray, Executive Director of ATPI (Association of Texas Photography Instructors) for tips and advice on doing a better job with that camera you have with you.  Suggestions on apps to use, what about using RAW files, how to handle your device, how AI is involved with picture taking, and a lot more - listen to a great conversation on better yearbook photography, something EVERY yearbook staff needs.

  2. Aug 25

    The Yearbooking Report, September 2026 - How to Get Started

    As another school year begins, it also means the start of another yearbook effort. And that can be overwhelming - SOOO much needs to be done. What can be done right from the beginning to get things off to a good start? We put that question to Liz Walsh, a Creative Accounts Manager for Jostens Yearbooks and a former award winning adviser. Watch as Liz gives us several great ideas on organizing your staff, how to plan well, thoughts on page designing, and much more. No matter if you prefer the buffalo or the elephant (you need to listen to understand,) here's an episode to help any yearbook adviser and staff at any level.

  3. Apr 28

    The Yearbooking Report, Spring 2026 - Prepping for Next Year

    As another school year winds down (YAY!,) things have a habit of just slowing down or stopping. That includes yearbook work, and it really includes doing some preparing for next year's effort and looking to improve. For our final podcast of the 2025-26 school year we talked to Tina Cleavelin, a Creative Accounts Manager for Jostens Yearbooks. A 37-year yearbook veteran, Tina gave us great advice on what to look out for, the value of attending a yearbook camp, and things for any staff to do better next year. We also tackled subjects like dealing with a death at school, what AI can and SHOULDN'T do for yearbook, the real importance of having a theme and more. Enjoy the listening!

  4. Mar 24

    The Yearbooking Report, March 2026 - Hot Yearbook Topics Today

    What are some concerning topics in the yearbook world today? A lot, right? We had a great chat with yearbooking veteran Jim Jordan, Special Consultant for Walsworth Yearbooks and formerly a 35-year adviser in California. Listen to a terrific back and forth on issues like adviser stress today, why design is so difficult (and how to solve that,) how will AI figure in the yearbook future, and much more.  If you are one of the many advisers considering quitting yearbook for next year, hear Jim's advice on why you are NEEDED and how to handle stresses today. It's an hour of talk, many tips and some laughs among our yearbooking tribe - you are not alone...

  5. Feb 17

    The Yearbooking Report, February 2026 - The Value of Yearbook Writing

    Let's be honest, most yearbooks at all levels are just picture books. When it comes to yearbook writing - well, not interested. Yet yearbook writing is a crucial part of any good yearbook. Words fill in the blanks that the pictures don't tell us, and that's a LOT. We talk with award winning adviser Justin Daigle of Brighton HS in Colorado about the need for writing, why kids seem to hate it so, what writing to add, how to do it and much more. Also the Vice President of the Journalism Education Association, Justin was the National Yearbook Adviser of the Year in 2024.

  6. Jan 13

    The Yearbooking Report, January 2026 - Effective Yearbook Marketing

    When we look at good yearbooking we see a 50-50 proposition: 50% creating the book and 50% marketing and sales. Yet for most yearbook advisers it's probably more like 90-10...or less. Yet if you make an awesome yearbook but few people buy one - you've failed. What is good yearbook marketing? Why is it so important? And how can any staff really get attention for their efforts (that's marketing) that leads to sales success? For this episode we went for a company person, in this case Shaun Stapleton - he's the VP of sales and marketing for Entourage Yearbooks. Listen to our wide ranging conversation on the what, why and how for any yearbook adviser working with any company. This one is a bit long but it is filled with insights, inspiration and ideas. Never too late to get started with new efforts to promote your book and boost your sales.

  7. 11/18/2025

    The Yearbooking Report, December 2025 - Tips for Better Photography

    Pictures will always be the #1 element of any yearbook - but what KINDS of pictures? Just random snapshots, or those that tell a story just by looking at them? From our TYR archives we went back to a great interview with Mike McLean, a professional freelance photographer and trainer from Texas who has been helping yearbook staffs for many years.  Listen as Mike goes through some basic steps to improve your photo shooting, along with in-depth information on lens usage, better lighting and more. Get some great advice for rookie photogs and also students/advisers who really want to up their picture taking game.

  8. 10/12/2025

    The Yearbooking Report, November 2025 - Legal Issues and Yearbook

    Advisers and staffs can't just do anything with their yearbook - some legal issues come into play. We run down the legal world and student journalism with Mike Hiestand, Sr. Legal Counsel for the Student Press Law Center in Washington, DC. What can be used from other sources? What is prior review and prior restraint? And a school got nailed for a $10,000 penalty? Yes, watch this rundown for things to try - and avoid...

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About

Stories, ideas and inspiration now independent for any yearbook adviser, any company, anywhere

Information

  • Creator
    Scott Geesey, CJE
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    68
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Yearbooking Report Podcast