Pizza & PE Podcast

In this inspiring episode of the Pizza & PE Podcast, we sit down with Mandy Davis during a truly unforgettable moment in her career. In the same week, Mandy was named Southern District Elementary PE Teacher of the Year and received the incredible news that she officially passed her National Board Certification.Mandy opens up about her National Board journey and shares what inspired her to pursue certification, the support system that carried her through, and the mindset and habits that helped her push through the most challenging moments. She also reflects on the most surprising part of the process, something she did not expect at all, and how the experience profoundly impacted her teaching, confidence, and professional growth.Whether you are considering National Board Certification, currently in the process, or simply looking for motivation and honest insight from an outstanding educator, this episode is packed with encouragement, perspective, and practical takeaways.🍕✨ Tune in for a powerful reminder that growth happens when passion perseverance and purpose collide.

Get ready for a slice of fun as we welcome the one and only Dale Sidebottom! 🍕🎙 Dale, all the way from Australia, is the energetic force behind The School of Play, author of All Work No Play and 365 Days of Play, and the lively host of Energetic Radio.In this episode, Dale dives into the power of play—how it connects people, breaks down barriers, and turns any moment into an opportunity for meaningful connection. He shares how to transform traditional ice breakers into ice makers, and why starting with connection starters is a game changer for building relationships.Whether you’re a parent looking to connect at home, a teacher building classroom community, or anyone wanting to bring more joy into everyday life, this episode is packed with fresh ideas, plenty of laughs, and practical ways to make play a meaningful part of every day.

In this inspiring episode of Pizza and PE, we sit down with Jess Lawrence and George Davis IV to talk about Jess’s incredible mission to make soccer accessible for all youth. Jess is cycling across the United States—yes, coast to coast—in an effort to raise $50,000 for the LouCity & Racing Foundation, an organization committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities in youth soccer.We explore what drives Jess to take on this bold journey, the importance of equitable access to sport, and how George and the foundation are building community through soccer. From pedaling with purpose to shaping the future of youth sports, this episode is all about passion, persistence, and the power of play.Follow Jess’s journey at www.pedaltothepitch.com to learn more, track her progress, and find out how you can donate and support this incredible cause.

In this episode of Pizza & PE, we're serving up inspiration with a side of strategy as we chat with Ben Landers, widely known as The PE Specialist! Ben shares his journey into teaching, how he discovered his passion for physical education, and the path that led him to become a Clinical Model Teacher with the University of South Carolina—supporting the next generation of educators through hands-on mentorship and professional growth.You'll also hear the story behind The PE Specialist, the online platform Ben created to help PE teachers across the globe. From classroom management tips to tech tools, activity ideas, and printable resources, his website has become a go-to for teachers looking to build stronger, more engaging PE programs.We dive into the how and why of building high-quality content, and Ben opens up about the real-life balance of being a full-time teacher, online creator, husband, and dad. His insights into managing time, staying creative, and focusing on impact will leave you motivated and ready to take on your own classroom challenges.Grab a slice and settle in—this episode is packed with ideas you can take straight into your gym (and your life)!

Join Andy Milne, creator of https://slowchathealth.com/ as he shares the inspiring story behind his globally recognized blog for health and physical education teachers. Discover the thought-provoking message from his TED Talk, “This is Not Your Parent’s Health Class,” and learn why he’s challenging the traditional fear-based health education often depicted in movies. In this episode, Andy opens up about his journey into skills-based health education, the resources that shaped his approach, and his passion for creating effective, student-centered lessons. Gain insights into how he collaborates to design impactful health curriculums, and hear his practical advice for educators who feel uncertain about teaching health. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conversation is filled with valuable tips and inspiration to transform your teaching practice.

Join us for an inspiring episode with Mark Housel, the 2023 Shape America Eastern District Teacher of the Year. Mark shares the experiences and inspirations behind his new book, "What Kind of Teacher Do You Want to Be?" Hear about the challenges he faced in school that ignited his passion for teaching and discover his effective strategies for managing student behavior. Mark also discusses his views on competition and the mixed messages students often receive. Plus, learn about Housel FUN & Fitness, his innovative business that helps students and families connect through engaging fitness programs. Contact Mark at: https://houselfitness.com/

Join us on this episode as we sit down with Charla Krahnke, the 2013 National High School Teacher of the Year and renowned OPEN national trainer. Listen as we dive deep into the Sport Education Model as Charla shares her insights on its implementation and the remarkable successes she's witnessed. Discover invaluable advice for fellow educators and uncover the secrets behind Charla's enduring career.

Shape America 2024 National Elementary PE Teacher of the Year, Cindie Cortinas-Vogt, attributes success to her "tribe."Discover how Cindie Cortinas-Vogt, awarded the Shape America 2024 National Elementary PE Teacher of the Year, credits her personal and professional achievements to the supportive circle she calls her "tribe." Explore the significance of surrounding yourself with positive influences and learn from her experience in leveraging Title I funds to transition from a 0.8 to a full-time position, enabling her to implement her innovative active content program.Gain insights from her advice to PE teachers on nurturing success and effectiveness in their roles. Plus, don't miss the heartfelt surprise from a member of her "tribe," who drops in to share the profound impact Cindi has had on his life and career.

Nick Kline, director of Active Schools discusses what is an Active School and how to join the movement. He reveals the inspiration behind the creation of BetheHype.org and details the wide array of professional development workshops he orchestrates.Serving as an adjunct professor at SUNY Cortland, a renowned institution for grooming future physical education teachers, Nick shares the unique approach that sets their program apart. Additionally, he offers some wisdom he would impart to his younger self, providing valuable insights for listeners.

Bo Shappell, a dedicated secondary PE teacher, unveils the foundations of his integrated wellness curriculum framework. Discover the catalyst that ignited his inspiring career journey and the unwavering motivation that drives him to continue teaching. Bo delves into the significance of 'COMCHI,' tracing its origin and unraveling the profound meaning behind the COMCHI product line. Links to COMCHI Products: https://www.comchi.org/