Episodes

  • Lonely Graduation Launch: From Leimert Park to Minneapolis — A Bestseller Story
    Mar 30 2026

    Dr. Chris Dennis recalls the whirlwind launch week for his new book, Lonely Graduation, from a packed Leimert Park bookstore event to campus talks at Hamline University and a bestseller debut on Amazon. He shares highlights from launch events in Los Angeles and Minneapolis and reflects on the community response and social proof of the book’s message.

    Chris outlines three practical takeaways: moment, meaning, and action, to help listeners process transitions after achievement, and invites educators and administrators to connect, attend events, or get a signed copy.

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    8 mins
  • Spring Break, Book Launch, and the Hustle of Doing It Yourself
    Mar 20 2026

    Dr. Chris Dennis returns with a short update: apologizing for a missed episode, celebrating spring break, and encouraging educators to rest and recharge.

    He announces the launch of his book Lonely Graduation (March 24) and related events in Los Angeles (Mar 25), Hamline University (Mar 26), and Minneapolis (Mar 27), and reflects on the rewards of independent publishing and taking small steps to make a meaningful impact.

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    6 mins
  • 13 Days to Lonely Graduation — Book Signings in Minneapolis & LA
    Mar 11 2026

    Dr. Chris Dennis shares episode updates on the March 25th Lore Bookstore signing in Los Angeles and the March 27th Strive Bookstore event in Minneapolis as Lonely Graduation approaches.

    He celebrates a student pitch contest that showcased creative, real-world solutions and encourages educators to nurture their own passion projects as spring break approaches.

    Practical reminders include adjusting to daylight savings, surviving grading periods, and where to buy the book (campusculturegroup.com and Barnes & Noble).

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    6 mins
  • Why Classroom Documentation Matters: Practical Tips for Teachers
    Mar 4 2026

    Dr. Chris Dennis opens the episode with book launch news and podcast milestones, then shifts to a practical conversation for educators on the importance of lesson documentation.

    The episode explains why a clear scope and sequence, written lesson plans, and updated records help with student assessment, substitute teaching, and administrator inquiries — and encourages teachers to carve out time to strengthen their documentation.

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    6 mins
  • 21 Days to Lonely Graduation — A Journey Worth Starting
    Mar 3 2026

    Good morning — Dr. Chris Dennis counts down 21 days to the release of Lonely Graduation, shares a workshop anecdote where the book inspired someone's next academic step, and invites listeners to pre-order a signed copy for the March 24 release.

    He reflects on a meaningful weekend with a gospel concert and a family gender reveal, encourages educators to prioritize rest during the busy semester stretch, and teases an upcoming episode about rest and wellness with a guest from Bring POCC Home.

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    5 mins
  • Calm in the Chaos: Mediation Moments for Educators
    Feb 27 2026

    Dr. Chris Dennis reflects on the unglamorous but essential work of conflict resolution and mediation in schools, emphasizing the value of preparation, de-escalation skills, and calm leadership when challenges arise.

    He also shares personal reflections about slowing down, connecting with community, and balancing the demands of leadership with self-care and human connection.

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    5 mins
  • 30 Days to Lonely Graduation: Networking, Reflection & Momentum
    Feb 26 2026

    📍 30 days out from Lonely Graduation. And today I’m thinking about proximity. Had lunch with a friend I’ve known since 2007.

    He still had a picture on his phone from when he visited me at a school where I worked years ago. That hit me. Because your career isn’t just built on titles. It’s built on moments. On how people experienced you. Yesterday, someone told me: “It’s not about who you know. It’s about who knows you.” What do people remember when they think of you? How did you show up in the elevator? In the meeting? At lunch? Networking isn’t collecting contacts. It’s being present long enough to matter. I’m feeling inspired tonight. Grateful. Building. Reflecting. Enjoying the moment. If you’re in a hard stretch — keep going. Tomorrow could shift everything. #OnTheWayToSchool #LonelyGraduation #LeadershipJourney #EducatorLife #NetworkingMatters #PurposeDriven

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    6 mins
  • How to Give Honest, Helpful References Without Burning Bridges
    Feb 25 2026

    Dr. Chris Dennis discusses how educators and administrators should handle reference checks with honesty and integrity. He advises sharing areas for growth in an asset-based, actionable way that supports the candidate and helps hiring teams make informed decisions.

    The episode covers formal and informal references, the importance of face-to-face feedback when possible, and the responsibility of referees to communicate candidly while preserving opportunities for a fresh start.

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    6 mins