Free Daily Podcast Summary
The Catholic School Leaders Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by John Mihalyo
Leadership in a Catholic school can be a challenging vocation. Whether you are in a current leadership role at your school or are aspiring to be a future leader, this podcast will help you walk with other exceptional leaders from all over the country to grow Catholic education for the next generation.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- Yesterday51 min
The Move from Public School to Catholic School: What Nobody Tells You Before You Start
Host: John Mihalyo | Guest: Tom Conroy, Principal, Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School, Verona, NJTom Conroy spent over 20 years as a public school principal before stepping into Catholic school leadership at Our Lady of the Lake in Verona, New Jersey. He will be the first to tell you that nothing fully prepared him for what he walked into — and that it has been the best chapter of his career.In this episode, Tom and John get honest about what that transition really looks like. The surprises, the myths, and the mindset shifts that nobody hands you in a manual on day one. From the financial realities that catch almost every new Catholic school leader off guard, to leading with your faith out front for the first time, to figuring out why recruitment and advancement are so much more than you expected — this conversation covers a lot of ground.Tom also talks about burnout, why asking for help is not a weakness, and what it actually feels like to be part of a Catholic school community after years of wondering what all the fuss was about.If you are heading into your first year leading a Catholic school, just survived your first year, or are thinking about making the jump from public school — this one is for you.LINKS AND RESOURCESWork with John elementaryadvancement.com Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
- 2 weeks ago24 min
Rest, Reflect, and Get Ready: A Summer Game Plan for Catholic School Leaders
Host: John Mihalyo | ~25 minYou made it through another school year — and that is worth celebrating. Whether this year felt like a championship season or survival mode, you showed up every single day for your students, your families, and your mission. That matters.In this episode, John takes a few minutes to celebrate what you accomplished, have an honest conversation about where your enrollment stands heading into summer, and send you off with five practical action items to make sure the next few months are intentional — not accidental.Because here's the thing — summer is not a break from enrollment. Families are making decisions right now, and the schools that stay visible and proactive are the ones that win in the fall. If you're not where you wanted to be this year, John talks about why your message may not be landing and what to do about it.And yes — rest is on the list too. You cannot lead well on empty. So before you dive into summer planning mode, give yourself permission to actually recharge. The mission needs you healthy.LINKS AND RESOURCESFree Summer Workshop"Ten Things Every Catholic School Leader Should Do This Summer" — free at elementaryadvancement.comWork with JohnIf your enrollment isn't where you want it to be, reach out at elementaryadvancement.comIf this episode was helpful, subscribe and share it with another Catholic school leader who could use some encouragement heading into summer. Thank you for everything you do for your students, your families, and the mission of Catholic education. Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
- Apr 22, 20261h 5m
Dream Bigger: How One Small Catholic School Turned Everything Around
Host: John Mihalyo Guest: Tara Nelson, Advancement & Enrollment Director, Parkersburg Catholic Schools The Catholic School Leaders Podcast Episode OverviewThree years ago, Parkersburg Catholic Schools was facing declining enrollment, financial uncertainty, and rumors in the community that the school might not survive. Today, they are raising $500,000 for a campus consolidation project backed by a 3-to-1 diocesan match of $1.5 million and they are ahead of schedule.In this episode, John sits down with Tara Nelson, the advancement and enrollment director who has been at the center of this transformation, to talk about how they rebuilt trust, grew their community, and created a culture where dreaming bigger became the expectation not the exception.Key Takeaways1. Trust has to be rebuilt before dollars will follow. Families and donors won't invest in a school they aren't sure will still be open. Parkersburg Catholic started small — fixing the ice machine, securing new front doors and showed their community that when they said something would happen, it happened.2. Parish partnerships have to be a two-way street. The school shows up at all five of their parishes every single month. Not just to ask for support but to give it. That intentional relationship is a big reason their community showed up when it mattered most.3. Word of mouth marketing is free and it is powerful. A simple end-of-year video from their elementary principal went into the tens of thousands of views and helped grow their Facebook following from 1,200 to nearly 3,500. You don't need a big budget. You need an authentic story worth telling.4. Intentionality is everything. Nothing happening at Parkersburg Catholic is accidental. From who speaks at Sunday Mass to when posts go out on social media to how faculty are appreciated, there is a system and a purpose behind all of it.5. When you dream bigger, your community shows up bigger. Nobody blinked when the $500,000 goal was announced. That confidence didn't come from nowhere — it came from two years of doing exactly what they said they would do.Challenge for This WeekThink about one promise your school has made to your community, big or small, that hasn't been followed through on yet. What would it take to close that loop this week and start rebuilding that trust?Connect with Parkersburg Catholic SchoolsFollow their campaign and campus project updates: 🌐 parkersburgcatholic.com 📘 Facebook: Parkersburg Catholic SchoolsLearn MoreJohn Mihalyo works with Catholic schools across the country through Elementary Advancement Solutions, helping leaders strengthen enrollment, advancement, and long-term sustainability.Learn more at www.elementaryadvancement.com Schedule a time to meet with John here! Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
- Apr 13, 202626 min
Catholic School Leadership After NCEA: A Framework for Following Through
Host: John Mihalyo The Catholic School Leaders PodcastEpisode OverviewYou left the NCEA fired up. Notebooks full of ideas. Texts to your team. Sessions you can't stop thinking about. And then Monday happened.In this episode, John shares a simple four-step framework for making sure the energy and ideas from a great conference actually make it off the shelf and into your school.Key Takeaways1. Capture your top three takeaways. Not 10, not 15 — three. The ones that are actually going to move your school forward.2. Align ideas to your school's reality. The best idea in the world is a non-starter if it doesn't fit your culture, your structure, or where you are right now.3. Take one action this week. Don't wait until May. Don't wait until June. One small, clear step this week is worth more than a perfect plan that never starts.4. Build in accountability. Inspiration without structure leads to frustration. Find a person, a group, or a system that keeps you moving forward.Challenge for This WeekPick your top three takeaways from the NCEA. Write them down. Then take one action on one of them before Friday.Learn MoreJohn Mihalyo works with Catholic schools across the country through Elementary Advancement Solutions, helping leaders strengthen enrollment, advancement, and long-term sustainability.Learn more at www.elementaryadvancement.com Schedule a time to meet with John here! Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
- Mar 23, 202629 min
Lessons Catholic School Leaders Can Learn From a Hollywood Movie Set
What does a Hollywood film set have to do with leading a Catholic school? More than you'd think.In this episode, John Mihalyo takes us back to 2010 — when he was a Catholic school principal in Weirton, West Virginia, and received a call that still stands out as one of the most unexpected of his career. Paramount Pictures was filming JJ Abrams' Super 8 in town, and they wanted local principals as extras. John said yes — and what happened over the next several weeks became one of the richest leadership experiences of his life.From preparation to buzz-building, from sweating the details to saying thank you, John walks through 8 practical lessons from the film set that apply directly to advancement, enrollment, and community building in Catholic schools. Whether you're a principal, an advancement director, or an enrollment leader — there's something in this episode for you.🔗 RESOURCES & LINKS MENTIONED• Super 8 (2011) — directed by JJ Abrams, produced by Steven Spielberg• Schedule a Discovery Call with John 📣 ENJOYED THIS EPISODE?If this episode gave you something to think about, share it with a fellow Catholic school leader who needs to hear it. And if you haven't already — subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast.📬 CONNECT WITH JOHN• Website: www.elementaryadvancement.com• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johnmihalyo• Email: john@elementaryadvancement.com Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
- Mar 4, 202624 min
Kenny Loggins, Yacht Rock, and Catholic School Leadership
Host: John MihalyoThe Catholic School Leaders PodcastEpisode OverviewWhat does Kenny Loggins have to do with Catholic schools?More than you might think.In this episode, John uses the example of Kenny Loggins—known for songs like Footloose and Danger Zone—to explore how institutions sometimes forget the people who helped build them.Catholic schools can fall into the same trap, losing touch with former parents, volunteers, board members, and donors who once played a major role in the school’s success.Strong schools intentionally remember and steward those relationships.Key Takeaways1. Graduation is a transition, not an exit.Families should remain part of the school community even after their children graduate.2. Stay connected with former leaders.Invite past board members, volunteers, and event leaders back for occasional gatherings or appreciation events.3. Practice specific gratitude.Reach out annually with a personal note recognizing the impact of their service.4. Capture your school’s stories.Record and share stories from former families and leaders to preserve your school’s culture and mission.Challenge for This WeekIdentify three former leaders or families your school has lost touch with.Call one.Write one a note.Invite one back into the story.Learn MoreJohn Mihalyo works with Catholic schools across the country through Elementary Advancement Solutions, helping leaders strengthen enrollment, advancement, and long-term sustainability.Learn more at www.elementaryadvancement.comSchedule a time to meet with John here! Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
- Feb 21, 202654 min
Pastor-Principal Partnerships: One Mission, One Team
Episode Title: Pastor + Principal Partnerships: One Mission, One TeamHost: John MihalyoGuests: Julie Capirchio (Principal) + Fr. Gregory Stowe (Pastor)SummaryJulie and Fr. Stowe share what a healthy pastor–principal partnership really looks like: shared mission, constant communication, honest disagreement behind closed doors, and a united front in public. They explain how parish and school can function as one community, why “no surprises” matters, and how trust is built over time—especially through hard seasons.Key TakeawaysOne campus, one mission: parish + school thrive when they act as one body.No secrets, no surprises: steady communication prevents division and drama.Disagree privately, support publicly: unity strengthens culture and trust.Model collaboration at the top: staff and families follow what leaders demonstrate.Reciprocity matters: schools should actively support parish life (service, visibility, relationships).Practical AdviceFor pastors: listen deeply, discern wisely, and set the principal up to succeed.For principals: be direct, ask questions, admit mistakes, and stay focused on what’s best for kids.Closing Line“Keep it real and don’t hold grudges.”Set up a Time to Meet with John Mihalyo to Talk About Your GoalsClick here to schedule a timeVisit Elementary Advancement Solutions for great resources for Catholic school leaders! Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
- Feb 3, 202656 min
Creating a Strong Leadership Team in Your Catholic School
The Catholic School Leaders PodcastHost: John MihalyoGuest: Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, Assistant Superintendent, Archdiocese of LouisvilleEpisode OverviewBeing a principal can be a lonely job. In this episode, John and Dr. Trevor Timmerberg unpack how a strong, healthy leadership team helps you lead with clarity, build trust, and move your school forward—without carrying everything on your own.What You’ll LearnMission-driven vs. maintenance-driven leadership teamsHow to choose the right people (not just the right positions)The right team size and meeting lengthHow to prevent “meetings after meetings”Simple agenda structures that drive action and accountabilityEmpowering others to lead (so it’s not all on you)Key TakeawayA great leadership team strengthens culture, improves decisions, and keeps your school focused on mission—not just managing the daily fires.Call to ActionNeed help building or refining your leadership team? Reach out to John Mihalyo to talk about your school. Learn more about today's sponsor, Renaissance: As a global leader in education technology operating in more than 110 countries, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. We believe that technology can unlock a more effective learning experience, ensure that students get the personalized teaching they need to thrive, and help educators and administrators to truly, fully, See Every Student. Learn more at renaissance.com.
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About The Catholic School Leaders Podcast
Leadership in a Catholic school can be a challenging vocation. Whether you are in a current leadership role at your school or are aspiring to be a future leader, this podcast will help you walk with other exceptional leaders from all over the country to grow Catholic education for the next generation.
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