I had a light bulb moment during a conversation with elementary school leader and author Rich Czyz.

I was part-way through this chat with New Jersey school leader and author Rich Czyz when it hit me.

Rich was talking about the critical importance of delegation in the life of a school leader. To make the point, he shared how he has trained some of his older students to make the announcements over the intercom in his school building each morning.

It’s a great idea for many reasons. His specific application wouldn’t work well in my context, but the example got me thinking.

Before I continue, some of my context would be helpful.

My struggle with publishing a school podcast consistently

I’m a vice-principal in an elementary school of 600 students. I’m a big believer in the idea that one of the best ways that leaders can bless their communities is by leaning into their unique skills and passions, and for that reason I’ve tried to publish a weekly school podcast.

Tried. For the last three years.

But it’s been a serious struggle to publish consistently during that time. Episodes come in spurts. Then the podcast goes silent for months at a time.

That doesn’t serve my community well, and frankly it’s not a great look. Either I commit to this thing or I don’t.

The reality is that editing audio clips I’ve collected (I use the Voice Memos app on my iPhone) from the playground, hallways, and classrooms takes time. It’s fun, but it’s not instant. And in a typically exhausting week when I’m not exactly feeling on top of my inbox and task list, the podcast tends to lose to the triage.

It’s been a frustrating cognitive dissonance between aspiration and practice.

This is where Rich’s comments jolted my thinking. I need to get my students directly involved in the show.

I mean, I’ve featured student voices for a long time. That part was always a no-brainer. It’s a joy to interview students wherever I find them around our campus.

But I’ve never actually contracted specific students to co-host with me. To run through an order of show. To sit with me as we record the episode in essentially one session.

The power of a weekly obligation to students

Admittedly, I’m only four weeks (with four matching episodes) into my latest attempt at consistency on the school podcast, but all signs point toward success.

You see, it’s one thing to disappoint myself and not publish an episode for a week, or two, or ten. But it’s simply not an option to let down my students after I’ve promised them “We’re going to record this Friday.”

So when I asked four students to join me as co-hosts for this week’s episode, the outcome was never in doubt. My care for students and credibility as a building leader leave zero wiggle room, which suits me fine. It’s the power of social obligation.

That’s why I’m excited about this new direction for my school podcast. Our sessions are simple and I’m putting together fewer clips, which means faster editing.

I’m featuring student voices — many of whom have never created anything for the world and are genuinely thrilled to hear themselves on Spotify.

And I’m finally offering a consistent service to my school and parent community — something that I’ve been wanting to do for years.

Thank you, Rich Czyz, for sharing your experience. Your idea inspired me, and now my students are active participants in something meaningful for my school community.

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If this idea inspired you, colleague, or perhaps leaves you with questions, let me know. If I can help you do something similar in your community, I’d be thrilled.