Roll Call Podcast

Brian Murray & Josh Symonds
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  • EDUCATION

Rollcall is THE podcast for Educators, Administrators and School Leaders who want to be at the forefront of Independent School management. Hosted by boarding school expert, Brian Murray and acclaimed educator, Josh Symonds. Rollcall delivers practical strategies and insightful interviews that cover the most pressing issues in education today, including the key differences between teaching boys and girls, the most effective ways to work with students, and the next big changes to life on campus. Rollcall is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools across 5 continents to manage risk, gain efficiency and improve communications throughout boarding operations.

  1. AI, Student Integrity, and the Future of School Leadership with Vanessa Wade

    APR 27

    AI, Student Integrity, and the Future of School Leadership with Vanessa Wade

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh welcome Vanessa Wade, Assistant Head of School at King's-Edgehill School, for a thoughtful conversation on what AI is already changing inside schools — and what leaders need to pay closer attention to before the shift moves even faster. Vanessa brings the perspective of a school leader working at the intersection of student well-being, discipline, leadership, and strategic decision-making. The conversation explores the changing meaning of cheating, the growing ambiguity around AI use in classrooms, the risks of deepfakes and student harm, and the reality that many schools are still building policy in real time. They also dive into data privacy, board-level responsibility, mental health concerns, and why the future of school may look very different than it does today. If you want a grounded look at how AI is affecting real students, real schools, and real leadership decisions right now, this is the episode.   Show notes: 00:00 — Welcome + Vanessa Wade introduction 02:15 — AI at the leadership level + shifting expectations 04:30 — Student behavior changes + integrity concerns 07:10 — Getting answers without learning 09:30 — Is cheating still cheating? 11:15 — AI and student curiosity 14:05 — Are students being introduced to AI too early? 16:10 — AI in student life: discipline + deepfakes 20:20 — When schools involve law enforcement 26:15 — Data privacy + risks of using AI in schools 30:30 — Using AI for student data + decision-making 32:25 — Lack of policy + schools figuring it out in real time 34:25 — AI and mental health concerns 39:45 — Fear vs. excitement: leadership perspective 41:00 — Biggest mistakes schools will make with AI 43:05 — What happens if schools do nothing 46:20 — What boards should be focused on 48:30 — Will AI make schools better or just different? 52:15 — The next major shift in education   Connect with Vanessa Wade: linkedin.com/in/vanessa-wade-b6387515

    56 min
  2. AI in Education, Critical Thinking, and the Future of Teaching with Alec Couros

    APR 6

    AI in Education, Critical Thinking, and the Future of Teaching with Alec Couros

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh welcome Dr. Alec Couros, professor of educational technology and media and director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Regina, for a deep and timely conversation on the role of AI in education. The conversation explores one of the biggest challenges facing schools today: how to integrate AI while maintaining strong pedagogy and human connection. Alec shares insights on cognitive offloading, critical thinking, misinformation, and why writing still matters more than ever in a world where AI can generate almost anything instantly. They also unpack the risks of over-prioritizing efficiency in education, the future of personalized learning, and why educators need to be intentional about how these tools are used — not just what they can do, but what they should do. Show notes: 00:00 — Introduction to Alec Couros 01:11 — Alec's background and how he found his path into education 04:16 — Balancing AI integration with strong pedagogy 05:27 — "Pedagogy first, technology second" 07:18 — Is critical thinking changing in the age of AI? 08:56 — AI grading, black-box processes, and bias in assessment 14:23 — Productive struggle, learning, and cognitive offloading 17:42 — When students should be introduced to AI tools 19:18 — Why writing is thinking 23:18 — Misinformation, deepfakes, and teaching digital discernment 28:22 — What keeps Alec up at night about AI in education 29:35 — Efficiency, teacher perception, and controlling the narrative 31:58 — Personalized learning, isolation, and protecting human connection 33:25 — AI tutors, non-certified guides, and the future of school models 36:31 — Curriculum upheaval and what is still worth learning 39:25 — The pace of AI development and whether educators need to keep up 44:52 — The future of personalized learning in the classroom 51:58 — Lightning round 55:11 — Final reflections on alignment, values, and what AI ought not do

    59 min
  3. Inside Experiential Learning: Why Relevance Matters More Than Ever with Gabriel Flacks

    MAR 16

    Inside Experiential Learning: Why Relevance Matters More Than Ever with Gabriel Flacks

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh sit down with Gabriel Flacks, co-founder of Linkr and a humanities instructor at Champlain College in Saint-Lambert, Quebec, for a wide-ranging conversation about experiential learning, virtual exchange, and what happens when traditional institutional software no longer fits the way students actually learn. Gabe shares how his work as an educator — and his frustration with rigid academic tools — led him to build Linkr, a platform designed to make learning more collaborative, relevant, and connected to life beyond the classroom. The conversation explores what meaningful experiential learning really looks like, from reflection and authentic audience to co-curricular programs, athletics, and global classroom partnerships. Gabe also digs into the challenge and opportunity of AI in education: why students are becoming more hesitant to use their own voice, why vulnerability matters more than ever, and why schools may need to rethink not just assessment, but relevance itself. It's a thoughtful episode for educators, school leaders, and anyone asking what learning should feel like in 2026 and beyond. Show notes:   00:00 – Introducing Gabriel Flacks and the origin story behind Linkr   01:17 – Understanding Quebec's CEGEP system and why Gabe was drawn to it   05:06 – Why the 17-to-19 transition is such a powerful learning window   06:00 – Gabe's approach to experiential learning and why relevance matters   08:10 – From blogging and volunteer work to building a better platform   09:50 – Why Linkr was built as a safe, social, networked learning space   11:08 – Early adoption, virtual exchange, and Linkr's evolution into SaaS   16:22 – Reflection, virtual exchange, and what meaningful learning looks like in practice   20:42 – Co-curricular learning and the challenge of measuring growth   25:18 – Why reflection matters in athletics, wellness, and student development   30:08 – AI, vulnerability, and the growing importance of student voice   37:56 – Lightning Round + the future of Linkr, badging, and experiential learning at scale   Learn more about Linkr: https://app.linkreducation.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    46 min
  4. Cloud, Control, and Risk: Where Schools Get Data Ownership Wrong

    FEB 23

    Cloud, Control, and Risk: Where Schools Get Data Ownership Wrong

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh welcome Keith Krass, Vice President of Partnerships and Global Strategy at Veracross, for a real-world look at how technology has shifted inside independent schools over the last decade. What used to be a "necessary evil" has become central to operations, student safety, and decision-making — and the people leading technology are increasingly becoming true campus leaders.   The conversation gets practical fast: cloud vs. on-prem, risk and resiliency, the critical importance of multi-factor authentication, and why schools still struggle with silos — not just between systems, but between people. Keith also breaks down why institutional research is emerging in K–12, and why schools that don't learn to use their data to ask better questions may fall behind. Show notes:   00:00 — Welcome + Keith Krass introduction   00:54 - Keith's background: educators, coaching, student development   03:00 - Biggest shifts in independent schools over the last decade (tech's role)   03:25 - Two buckets: cutting-edge schools vs. bare-minimum tech adoption   04:30 - "Outside the solar system to the sun": tech becomes central   05:13 - Cloud vs. on-prem: how the nature of work changed   06:45 - Risk & resiliency: fire, breach, backups, and operational continuity   07:33 - Cloud interdependence + the "expert team" tradeoff   08:27 - The false sense of control + why schools need the "why" explained   09:25 - Data ownership: the questions schools should ask vendors   10:01 - Data hostage stories + why access matters when switching systems   10:30 - The shift from IT director to CTO-level leadership in schools   12:17 - Tech's connection to student safety + thriving through data   13:50 - Tech leaders moving into head roles + why that pathway is growing   27:38 - Lightning round: AI hype, MFA security win, deepfakes, phones, and change management   Learn more about Veracross: https://www.veracross.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    45 min

  5. FEB 2

    Inside an Arts Boarding School: Grit, Growth, and Belonging with Melissa Cassel

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh sit down with Melissa Cassel, Dean of Students at Walnut Hill School for the Arts, to talk about what it really means to support teenagers in a place where school isn't just academics — it's a double curriculum of rigorous classes and intense artistic training, all inside a 24/7 boarding environment.   Melissa shares how she landed at Walnut Hill almost by accident… and why she stayed for 28 years: the job keeps changing, the students keep evolving, and the best part is watching young people become more confident, resilient, and fully themselves. She breaks down what a "normal day" actually looks like for a student (it's a marathon), why the arts are more than career prep, and how artistic training teaches skills most adults still struggle with — accepting critique, taking risks, making mistakes, and trying again.   The conversation also tackles bigger questions: how to help parents take the leap, what's changed in young artists over the last decade (hello, perfectionism and fear of failure), what grit looks like when your "instrument" is your body or voice, and why the future of arts education is shifting toward impact and global connection — not just technical excellence.   This is a thoughtful, human conversation for school leaders, boarding professionals, and parents who want their children to be more than high-performing… they want them to be whole.   Show notes:   00:00 – Introducing Melissa Cassel   01:23 – 28 years as Dean: how the job (and expectations) have changed   03:32 – A day in the life at Walnut Hill: the "double curriculum" reality   07:20 – Defending the arts: transferable skills, identity, and being "whole people"   10:08 – The tipping point for parents: "Your kid will be seen here"   12:57 – What's changed in young artists: perfectionism, fear of failure, learning through mistakes   16:07 – What grit looks like when you're constantly judged as the instrument   19:05 – Why boarding makes the arts different: empathy, community, and processing in real time   22:38 – Structure vs creativity: adjusting rules, accountability, and independence   32:52 – Where arts education is going next + Lightning Round   Learn more about Walnut Hill and Melissa Cassel: https://www.walnuthillarts.org/about/leadership   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    42 min
  6. How Schools Build Trust & Relevance in the Digital Age with Rob DiMartino

    JAN 12

    How Schools Build Trust & Relevance in the Digital Age with Rob DiMartino

    On today's episode of Roll Call, Brian and Josh welcome Rob DiMartino, co-founder and Chief Evangelist at Finalsite, to unpack a truth school leaders are feeling in real time: your digital presence isn't marketing anymore — it's your first campus visit.   Rob breaks down how independent schools can honor tradition without living in the rearview mirror, and why the strongest brands aren't built on slogans like "small classes" and "great community" (because everyone says that). Instead, schools win by getting unapologetically clear on their pillars of value, telling human stories that create trust, and designing a digital journey that helps families actually feel the experience before they ever book a tour.   The conversation also gets practical — from why "digital-first rebrands" have flipped the traditional order of branding, to the canaries in the coal mine leaders should watch for (data silos, too many vendors, weak engagement cadence), and how to audit your strategy through Rob's simple framework: Purpose, People, Platforms, Process.   This is a must-listen for heads of school, admissions, marketing, and advancement teams who want to grow enrollment, improve retention, and build community by owning their story — authentically.   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction to Rob DiMartino   03:25 - Tradition vs. innovation: honoring history without living in the past   07:19 - Brand vs. engagement: why relevance matters more than slogans   10:11 - Breaking the "small classes & great community" messaging trap   12:10 - Turning student outcomes into authentic digital storytelling   15:19 - Mission fit, admissions pressure, and the retention risk schools ignore   21:11 - Why schools shifted from agencies to owning their digital platforms   29:01 - Auditing your digital strategy: Purpose, People, Platforms, Process   31:31 - AI, demographics, and protecting a school's true value proposition   37:09 - Lightning Round   Learn more about Finalsite and Rob DiMartino: https://www.finalsite.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    44 min
  7. Building a Culture of Preparedness and Connection with Mike Johnson

    12/29/2025

    Building a Culture of Preparedness and Connection with Mike Johnson

    On today's episode, Brian and Josh welcome Mike Johnson, founder of Clearpath and veteran security professional to the pod, whose work with schools worldwide highlights a critical truth: you can't secure a campus with hardware alone.   Mike makes the case that true safety is social, emotional, and physical — and that many schools over-invest in the physical while underestimating what's happening inside classrooms, hallways, and online.    For Mike, safety starts with connection: teachers who notice, counsellors who are empowered, and students who are given language and channels to raise concerns.   Together, the group discusses how to design age-appropriate drills for four-year-olds and teenagers alike without creating unnecessary fear, how to include students as genuine stakeholders in safety planning, and why debriefing drills is just as important as running them.    This is a thoughtful, people-first conversation for school leaders who want their safety programs to protect wellbeing as much as buildings.   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction to Mike Johnson   04:14 - Why Schools Are Unprepared   06:43 - Social Media, Mental Health & Modern Safety   08:34 - The Risk Venn Diagram: Assets, Threats & Vulnerabilities   10:38 - Probability vs. Impact   14:14 - The Training Gap   17:13 - Safety Belongs in the Mission Statement   18:47 - Removing Fear with the "Even If…" Mindset   21:07 - Access Control: The #1 Vulnerability   24:01 - Success Stories from International Schools   27:41 - Technology ≠ Safety   30:39 - Drills Must Reflect Reality   32:59 - Lightning Round:   42:30 - Closing Thoughts     Learn more about Clearpath and Mike Johnson: https://clearpathepm.com/     This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    45 min
  8. Risk, Relationships, and Real-World Lessons with Becky Donovan

    12/13/2025

    Risk, Relationships, and Real-World Lessons with Becky Donovan

    Roll Call is back! Hosts Brian Murray and Josh Symonds sit down with Becky Donovan, Risk Management Consultant at AJ Gallagher, whose work with schools across North America is transforming how educators think about risk, relationships, and readiness. Becky's refreshing approach puts people first — she believes effective risk management begins with empathy, communication, and proactive culture. Together, the trio explore how schools can prepare for crises, update outdated policies, manage reputational threats, and navigate emerging risks like AI use, cyber safety, and student data privacy. From on-the-ground stories of real incidents to reflections on leadership, trust, and humanity in the face of crisis, this episode is an engaging look into how schools can move from reactive to proactive risk prevention — and why "Don't Hesitate, Delegate" should be the new mantra for every educator.   Show notes:   00:00 - Introduction to Becky Donovan   01:00 - Human-First Response to Crisis   03:10 - Why Relationships Matter in Risk Management   06:10 - The Hidden Gaps in School Risk Planning   08:30 - Updating Codes of Conduct (and Why It Matters)   10:30 - Specialized Codes for Specialized Contexts   14:00 - Making Risk "Manageable" for Teachers   15:30 - Brian's Field Trip Story and Lessons Learned   20:00 - When the Unexpected Happens   25:00 - AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Privacy in Schools   30:00 - Blanket Permissions vs. Informed Consent   34:00 - Emerging Risks for Schools   36:00 - Social Media, Reputation & Crisis Response   40:00 - Data, Consent, and Collaboration   Connect with Becky Donovan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmwithbecky/ Aj Gallagher: https://www.ajg.com/   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding   This episode is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools in five continents to manage risk, increase efficiency, and improve communication in boarding school management.   To learn more about REACH Boarding, its features and integrations, visit www.reachboarding.com   Empowering the Future of Independent Education & Boarding School Management   Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Roll Call, don't forget to share your favorite episodes with your colleagues on social media to help us spread the word and help more education professionals stay at the forefront of independent education and boarding school management techniques to empower the future of the education environment.

    44 min
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About

Rollcall is THE podcast for Educators, Administrators and School Leaders who want to be at the forefront of Independent School management. Hosted by boarding school expert, Brian Murray and acclaimed educator, Josh Symonds. Rollcall delivers practical strategies and insightful interviews that cover the most pressing issues in education today, including the key differences between teaching boys and girls, the most effective ways to work with students, and the next big changes to life on campus. Rollcall is sponsored by REACH Boarding, an award-winning, feature-rich boarding school management tool used by over 400 schools across 5 continents to manage risk, gain efficiency and improve communications throughout boarding operations.

Information

  • Creator
    Brian Murray & Josh Symonds
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 All Rights Reserved REACH Student Life Management
  • Show Website
    Roll Call Podcast