Driving to School with Frank and Larry

Frank Durante, Larry Tomiyama
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Before podcasts were a thing, there were phone calls. For more than 25 years, school leaders and lifelong friends Frank and Larry have talked about education, leadership, running schools, and life. Now they’re bringing those conversations to you. Drawing on 70+ years of combined experience, each episode delivers honest stories, practical leadership lessons, memorable moments, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a principal, teacher, aspiring leader, or just enjoy a great conversation, grab a coffee and come along for the ride. Credits - Artwork: ChatGPT | Music & SFX: Pixabay (398420, 287196

Episodes

  1. Oct 4

    E10 - Going Down Under with Paige Bousen - A Leader with the Queensland Teachers Union in Australia

    Join Larry and me for a conversation with Paige Bousen, an experienced educator and union leader with the Queensland Teachers’ Union in Australia. As of 2026, Paige is serving as Acting Deputy General Secretary (Member Organizing). She began her career as a teacher in Far North Queensland, where she spent approximately 16 years in education and progressed to the role of Head of Department Mathematics and Science. Her extensive experience working in regional Queensland has also shaped a strong interest in rural and remote education, particularly the experiences and challenges faced by small-school principals. Paige brings a unique perspective to this conversation, having extensive educational experience and connections in both Australia and Canada. Throughout the episode, we explore the complexities of teaching, leadership, advocacy, and teacher support in Australia, while comparing those experiences with what is currently happening in Alberta. We were particularly interested in Paige’s perspective on how educators are supported in Queensland and the similarities and differences between our two education systems. Thank you for joining us as we go international and head Down Under for a thoughtful and engaging conversation about education, leadership, and the people who make our schools work.

  2. Sep 27

    E9 - How Getting Humbled and Showing Humility Make Us Better Leaders: A Conversation with Mike Bolder

    We were really happy to be joined by Mike Bolder for this episode. Mike has been a highly respected principal and leader in the Calgary Catholic School District for many years. As both a colleague and a friend, we were able to joke around, but more importantly, have an open and honest conversation about our mistakes, failures, and occasional errors in judgment and how those experiences ultimately helped make us better leaders. Some leadership books call these moments “learning opportunities.” Whatever term you use, they are often difficult, humbling, and deeply reflective experiences. Every decision we make good or bad adds to our experience and, hopefully, our wisdom. The more decisions we are called upon to make, the more we learn about ourselves, our leadership, and how we want to approach the next challenge. Just as importantly, none of us should navigate these moments alone. Having a trusted community of colleagues, friends, and mentors around us can make all the difference when things don’t go according to plan. So please enjoy, although maybe not too much hearing about some of Mike, Frank, and Larry’s most memorable “screw-ups,” the fallout that followed, and what we learned as we made our way out the other side. Thanks again for listening, sharing the podcast, and helping spread the word. With this episode, we will surpass 2,000 downloads, and we truly appreciate the support. We also love receiving your comments and questions, so please keep them coming. In fact, we have received so many questions that we will be dedicating an entire upcoming episode to answering them. Questions can be emailed to drivingwithfrankandlarry@gmail.com.

  3. Sep 20

    E8: Issues and Remedies for Educators from a Certified Counsellor: A Conversation with Laura Doney.

    Laura Doney joined Frank and Larry for an amazingconversation about teacher and administrator well being. Laura's experience as a Family Support Worker, Teacher and now Certified Counsellor give her a lot of street cred to support educators. Laura is now the Founder and Clinical Director of Larchwood Counselling. Many of Laura's clients are teachers and administrators. On our podcast she talks about seeing a lot of burnout and shame about not being able to be enough. Laura offers a number of suggestions for teachers/administrators to support their mental wellness. Frank and I weresuper impressed with how in tune Laura was with a teacher, administrator's and parents 2026 stressors. Larchwood Counselling is a full service counselling service.Go to: www.larchwoodcounselling.cato get contact information.  After listening to this amazing episode, please let us knowwhat you think. You can find us on Spotify and Apple. Like, Follow, Subscribe. Please email us at drivingwithfrankandlarry@gmail.com

  4. Sep 13

    E7 - How Being Intentional About Staff Meetings Contributes to Climate and Culture: A Conversation with Sandra O'Flaherty

    Sandra O'Flaherty recently retired after 30 plus years. Inthis distinguished career she was an amazing LA teacher, a consultant in Technology and Behavior, an Assistant Principal, Vice Principal and Principal. All while simultaneously being a daughter, wife, mother (2 boys) and soon to begrandmother. We were honored that Sandra took some time to chat. There is no course or special professional developmentsession telling you how to run a staff meeting. We all have sat in and been part of both positive and horrific ones. With Sandra we discuss the mistakes we made and what we have learned about the importance of running an effective staff meeting. Every leader is going to figure out what works bestfor them but we believe there are some nuggets of advice that can be gleaned from this episode. Here are a few of those nuggets: - Survey your staff about needs and their time commitments - Be intentional about treating a one a month meeting as anopportunity. - Decide what is critical information to pass on and todiscuss - You don't want to meet for more than an hour - This is the forum to communicate values and to behumble/vulnerable - Use "we" as much as possible to promote"team". After listening to this amazing episode, please let us knowwhat you think. You can find us on Spotify and Apple. Like, Follow, Subscribe. Please email us at drivingwithfrankandlarry@gmail.com

  5. Sep 6

    E6 - Sage Advice from a Master Teacher: A Conversation with Bruce Gillespie

    In this episode, we sit down with Bruce Gillespie to reflect on aremarkable 40 year journey in education, one that began somewhat unexpectedly and grew into a career filled with lasting friendships, incredible experiences, and a deep commitment to students. From teaching IB History and Theory of Knowledge to serving as a department head, Success Teacher, and Alberta Education contributor, Bruce embraced many roles throughout his career. He also spent nearly 40 years coaching soccer, earning three city championships along the way. Bruce shares some unforgettable highlights, including international travel, a visit to the Soviet Union just before its collapse, a week at the United Nations, and the privilege of working with outstanding young people. One of the most personal reflections Bruce shares is about being shamed by a teacher when he was a student.  While the experience was difficult, it ultimately became an important lesson in the kind of teacher he wanted to be. That experience shaped his commitment to treating students with empathy,dignity, and respect—and taught him firsthand the lasting impact educators can have on young people, both positively and negatively. Join us as Bruce looks back on four decades in education, the lessons he has learned, and the people and experiences that made the journey so meaningful. If you enjoy this episode please like, subscribe and share. We welcome all your comments and questions. If you would like to chat with either of us, please contact by emailing at: DrivingwithFrankandLarry@gmail.com

  6. Aug 30

    E5 - Why the Act of “Walking Around” Can Be the Best Leadership Strategy Ever

    Please join Frank and I as we chat about a topic that is near and dear to us. The intentional act of consistent walkingaround and visiting classrooms has had profound benefits in the schools we got to lead. We discuss this topic by answering the following questions: What does this walking around look like for a leader? How many visits should I make? How long should I stay? Do I say anything when I get to each class? What do I sayWhat should I look for when I get to the class? Am I evaluating the teacher during these visits?How do I build the habit of visiting classrooms each day?We talk about our many years of experience and the type of impact a leader can have on building culture. If you enjoy this episode please like, subscribe and share. We welcome all your comments and questions. If you would like to chat with either of us, please contact by emailing at: DrivingwithFrankandLarry@gmail.com

  7. Aug 23

    EP4 - Diary of a 3rd Year Teacher: A Conversation with Braden Pilon

    Please join Frank and I as we get to chat with Braden Pilon. Braden has completed two years of successful teaching and is going into Year 3. We dive into: - Braden as a student - Motivation to become a teacher - Peaks and Valleys as a first-year teacher - What he loves about being a teacher  - What he learned and did better in year 2 - Advice to enjoy your job, students and life as a teacher Braden is a reflective and super positive person and teacher. His enthusiasm is infectious and inspiring.  Braden mentions some resources he has on social media: Classonomy: https://classonomy.net How to Thrive in Your First Years of Teaching waitlist: https://how-to-thrive-book.web.app/ If you enjoy this episode please like, subscribe and share. We welcome all your comments and questions. If you would like to chat with either of us, please contact by emailing at: DrivingwithFrankandLarry@gmail.com

  8. Aug 16

    EP3 - A Principals Guide to Starting Strong and Avoiding Burnout This School Year

    Frank and Larry have an emotional conversation around supporting Principals around their work.  The conversation will be focused on the top 4 reasons that Principals burn out.   Those include: 1. The Intensity of a principal’s responsibilities 2. The pressure of being accountable to stakeholders 3. The lack of resources 4. Emotional rollercoaster of the job and balancing life If you enjoy this episode please follow, like, subscribe and share. We welcome all your comments and questions. If you would like to chat with either of us, please contact by emailing at: DrivingwithFrankandLarry@gmail.com

  9. Aug 16

    EP2 - Starting Strong and Avoiding the Signs of Teacher Burnout

    In this episode, Frank and Larry explore the important topic of teacher burnout and offer practical strategies and support to help educators navigate the challenges of the school year. Starting the school year strong is important, but so is maintaining our energy, well-being, and passion for teaching throughout the year. Frank and Larry share helpful insights and practical suggestions designed to support teachers in managing the demands of their profession. They also explored an Ontario-based study that identifies four key factors contributing to teacher burnout: 1. Disconnected Leadership 2. Workload and Complexity 3. Work-Life Balance 4. Lack of Respect and Recognition Join Frank and Larry as they take a closer look at these challenges, share their experiences, and discuss ways educators and school leaders can work together to create healthier, more supportive school communities. If you enjoy this episode please follow, like, subscribe and share. We welcome all your comments and questions. If you would like to chat with either of us, please contact by emailing at: DrivingwithFrankandLarry@gmail.com

  10. Aug 14

    EP1 - The Podcast Begins: Meet Frank and Larry

    Welcome to our very first episode! We're Frank Durante and Larry Tomiyama, and we're excited to have you join us as we begin this Podcast journey together. Before we dive into future conversations about education, leadership, and the experiences that have shaped our careers, we wanted to start by introducing ourselves and sharing the story behind this podcast. Every journey has a beginning, and ours is rooted in a shared passion for education, a commitment to lifelong learning, and a belief that meaningful relationships and conversations have the power to inspire growth and positive change.   In this first episode, you'll get to know us not just as educators, but as people. We set the groundwork of starting every episode with what we are grateful for.  We also share what we are excited for as we dive deep into a variety of educational topics.   If you enjoy this episode please follow, like, subscribe and share. We welcome all your comments and questions. If you would like to chat with either of us, please contact by emailing at: DrivingwithFrankandLarry@gmail.com

    EP1 - The Podcast Begins: Meet Frank and Larry
  • 10 Episodes

About

Before podcasts were a thing, there were phone calls. For more than 25 years, school leaders and lifelong friends Frank and Larry have talked about education, leadership, running schools, and life. Now they’re bringing those conversations to you. Drawing on 70+ years of combined experience, each episode delivers honest stories, practical leadership lessons, memorable moments, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re a principal, teacher, aspiring leader, or just enjoy a great conversation, grab a coffee and come along for the ride. Credits - Artwork: ChatGPT | Music & SFX: Pixabay (398420, 287196

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