The Language of Behavior

68. Breaking the Cycle of Emotional Reactivity

In this episode of The Language of Behavior, Josh and Charle respond to a timely question about how to support students who keep returning to unhealthy relationships and friendships. They explore how anxious attachment, social pressure, and emotional reactivity can keep adolescents stuck in cycles that feel intense but are not actually healthy. Charlie and Josh share strategies for helping students slow down, track patterns, and separate fact from assumption so they can better understand what is happening in their relationships. They also talk about the importance of giving students language, examples, and control points they can use to make healthier choices without shame or defensiveness. -- FREE The Language of Behavior Book Study Kit: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/lobbookstudy Bulk Book Discount: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders Do you have any questions for the podcast? Fill out this quick Google Form: https://forms.gle/u5axHazzuyN5pry76 -- About Charle Peck: Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck. Follow Charle Peck: * Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org * Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlepeck/ * Other: charle@thrivibgeducator.org * Podcast: Thriving Educator * Book: https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P?crid=EIKAGWZ4V006&keywords=charle+peck&qid=1705780803&sprefix=charle+peck%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=6456f4f1bc2440be71d094a5d14656a4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl About Joshua Stamper: Joshua Stamper is the Director of Innovation for the Teach Better Team, a multifaceted role that encompasses his talents as an author, podcaster, leadership coach, and education keynote speaker. With a rich background as a middle school administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach, Joshua brings a wealth of experience to his work in education. Joshua is passionate about implementing trauma-responsive techniques, exploring alternative student discipline methods, and promoting healthy leadership habits. He is deeply committed to enhancing leadership capacity through self-care practices, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead with empathy and resilience. As the author of The Language of Behavior and Aspire to Lead and host of two popular podcasts, Joshua continues to inspire and empower educators and leaders worldwide. Follow Joshua Stamper: * Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ * Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper * Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper * Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast * Subscribe to Aspire to Lead: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 * Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 -- Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Brad Waid at techbradwaid@gmail.com to book Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. -- Review the Podcast I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to us that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. -- Teach Better Podcast Network This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/

67. Simple Solutions for Difficult Conversations with Adults

In this episode of The Language of Behavior, Joshua Stamper and Charle Peck dig into one of the most common challenges in education and beyond: how to navigate difficult conversations with adults without escalating conflict. Charle explains why people in distress lose access to skills before they lose access to emotion, and why lowering the threat, slowing the pace, and keeping your tone calm can make all the difference. Josh and Charle break down practical strategies for de-escalation, including using short, neutral language, shifting from “you” to “we,” and being firm but fair without matching someone else’s intensity. They also explore how body language, physical space, and past school experiences can influence how parents and colleagues show up in tense conversations. -- FREE The Language of Behavior Book Study Kit: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/lobbookstudy Bulk Book Discount: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders Do you have any questions for the podcast? Fill out this quick Google Form: https://forms.gle/u5axHazzuyN5pry76 -- About Charle Peck: Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck. Follow Charle Peck: * Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org * Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlepeck/ * Other: charle@thrivibgeducator.org * Podcast: Thriving Educator * Book: https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P?crid=EIKAGWZ4V006&keywords=charle+peck&qid=1705780803&sprefix=charle+peck%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=6456f4f1bc2440be71d094a5d14656a4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl About Joshua Stamper: Joshua Stamper is the Director of Innovation for the Teach Better Team, a multifaceted role that encompasses his talents as an author, podcaster, leadership coach, and education keynote speaker. With a rich background as a middle school administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach, Joshua brings a wealth of experience to his work in education. Joshua is passionate about implementing trauma-responsive techniques, exploring alternative student discipline methods, and promoting healthy leadership habits. He is deeply committed to enhancing leadership capacity through self-care practices, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead with empathy and resilience. As the author of The Language of Behavior and Aspire to Lead and host of two popular podcasts, Joshua continues to inspire and empower educators and leaders worldwide. Follow Joshua Stamper: * Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ * Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper * Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper * Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast * Subscribe to Aspire to Lead: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 * Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 -- Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Brad Waid at techbradwaid@gmail.com to book Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. -- Review the Podcast I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to us that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. -- Teach Better Podcast Network This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/

The Language of Behavior at the Student Behavior Summit

In this special replay from the 2026 Student Behavior Summit, Brad Waid interviews Josh Stamper and Charle Peck about the work behind The Language of Behavior and why emotional intelligence matters now more than ever in schools. Together, they unpack the connection between adult behavior and student behavior, common misperceptions about discipline and consequences, and the importance of simplifying behavior support so it is actually sustainable for educators. Josh and Charle also share how their work helps schools move from reactive systems to intentional ones through practical strategies like rapid resets, push-in support, and cohort-based professional learning. This conversation highlights a simple but powerful truth: when we build the capacity of adults, we create calmer, healthier, and more effective learning environments for students. -- FREE The Language of Behavior Book Study Kit: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/lobbookstudy Bulk Book Discount: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders Do you have any questions for the podcast? Fill out this quick Google Form: https://forms.gle/u5axHazzuyN5pry76 -- About Charle Peck: Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck. Follow Charle Peck: * Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org * Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlepeck/ * Other: charle@thrivibgeducator.org * Podcast: Thriving Educator * Book: https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P?crid=EIKAGWZ4V006&keywords=charle+peck&qid=1705780803&sprefix=charle+peck%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=6456f4f1bc2440be71d094a5d14656a4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl About Joshua Stamper: Joshua Stamper is the Director of Innovation for the Teach Better Team, a multifaceted role that encompasses his talents as an author, podcaster, leadership coach, and education keynote speaker. With a rich background as a middle school administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach, Joshua brings a wealth of experience to his work in education. Joshua is passionate about implementing trauma-responsive techniques, exploring alternative student discipline methods, and promoting healthy leadership habits. He is deeply committed to enhancing leadership capacity through self-care practices, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead with empathy and resilience. As the author of The Language of Behavior and Aspire to Lead and host of two popular podcasts, Joshua continues to inspire and empower educators and leaders worldwide. Follow Joshua Stamper: * Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ * Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper * Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper * Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast * Subscribe to Aspire to Lead: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 * Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 -- Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Brad Waid at techbradwaid@gmail.com to book Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. -- Review the Podcast I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to us that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. -- Teach Better Podcast Network This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/

66. Educational Hot Takes: Narcissism, Email Boundaries, and Integrity

In this newly formatted episode of The Language of Behavior, Josh and Charle switch things up with a fun and honest “educational hot takes” conversation. From narcissistic tendencies in education to why email may be the devil, they unpack some of the most frustrating dynamics educators face and share practical ways to protect your mental health and stability. Charlie breaks down the difference between narcissistic behavior and a clinical diagnosis, why it is so important not to label kids too early, and how to communicate calmly and clearly with difficult personalities. Josh makes the case for stronger email boundaries, reminding listeners that constant availability is not the same as effective leadership or healthy practice. The conversation also includes lighthearted behind-the-banter moments, a few nostalgic TV references, and updates on the Thrive Summit, the School Behavior Solution Summit, and what is coming next in May. Student Behavior Summit on April 30th. Sign up for FREE here: www.Thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/summit2026 [www.Thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/summit2026] -- FREE The Language of Behavior Book Study Kit: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/lobbookstudy [https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/lobbookstudy] Bulk Book Discount: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders [https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders] Do you have any questions for the podcast? Fill out this quick Google Form: https://forms.gle/u5axHazzuyN5pry76 [https://forms.gle/u5axHazzuyN5pry76] -- About Charle Peck: Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck. Follow Charle Peck: * Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org * Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlepeck/ * Other: charle@thrivibgeducator.org * Podcast: Thriving Educator * Book: https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P?crid=EIKAGWZ4V006&keywords=charle+peck&qid=1705780803&sprefix=charle+peck%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=6456f4f1bc2440be71d094a5d14656a4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl About Joshua Stamper: Joshua Stamper is the Director of Innovation for the Teach Better Team, a multifaceted role that encompasses his talents as an author, podcaster, leadership coach, and education keynote speaker. With a rich background as a middle school administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach, Joshua brings a wealth of experience to his work in education. Joshua is passionate about implementing trauma-responsive techniques, exploring alternative student discipline methods, and promoting healthy leadership habits. He is deeply committed to enhancing leadership capacity through self-care practices, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead with empathy and resilience. As the author of The Language of Behavior and Aspire to Lead and host of two popular podcasts, Joshua continues to inspire and empower educators and leaders worldwide. Follow Joshua Stamper: * Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ * Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper * Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper * Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast * Subscribe to Aspire to Lead: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 * Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 -- Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Brad Waid at techbradwaid@gmail.com to book Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. -- Review the Podcast I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to us that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. -- Teach Better Podcast Network This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/

65. What Happens When Panic Takes Over?

What is really happening in your body and brain when panic hits, and what can you do about it? In this episode of The Language of Behavior, Josh and Charle tackle a question that is deeply relevant for educators, students, and adults alike. They unpack panic through a nervous system lens, explaining how trauma, stress, and unresolved experiences can trigger intense physical responses that feel overwhelming and even frightening. Josh and Charle explore the difference between generalized anxiety and panic disorder, why panic can sometimes show up without an obvious cause, and how to respond with grounding, awareness, and support instead of fear. They also share real-life examples from schools and workplaces, including how grace, flexibility, and trauma-informed support can make a huge difference for students and staff experiencing panic or shutdown. Student Behavior Summit on April 30th. Sign up for FREE here: www.Thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/summit2026 -- FREE The Language of Behavior Book Study Kit: https://thrivingeducator.myflodesk.com/lobbookstudy Bulk Book Discount: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders Do you have any questions for the podcast? Fill out this quick Google Form: https://forms.gle/u5axHazzuyN5pry76 -- About Charle Peck: Charle Peck is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. She holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work as a 20+ year veteran in education (K-12). As a global keynote speaker, she delivers powerful messages of hope to educators and facilitates meaningful professional development. Charle successfully equips school staff with practical tools to mitigate teacher burnout and the youth mental health crisis providing relief to schools all across the country. Her unique lens as a high school teacher turned clinical therapist specializing in trauma makes her stories relevant and captivating to educators struggling in today’s system. You can purchase her book “Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution” on Amazon and connect with her on X @CharlePeck. Follow Charle Peck: * Website: www.ThrivingEducator.org * Twitter: https://twitter.com/CharlePeck * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlepeckconsulting?mibextid=LQQJ4d * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlepeck/ * Other: charle@thrivibgeducator.org * Podcast: Thriving Educator * Book: https://www.amazon.com/Improving-School-Mental-Health-Community/dp/B0BTS3MN2P?crid=EIKAGWZ4V006&keywords=charle+peck&qid=1705780803&sprefix=charle+peck%2Caps%2C181&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=6456f4f1bc2440be71d094a5d14656a4&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl About Joshua Stamper: Joshua Stamper is the Director of Innovation for the Teach Better Team, a multifaceted role that encompasses his talents as an author, podcaster, leadership coach, and education keynote speaker. With a rich background as a middle school administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach, Joshua brings a wealth of experience to his work in education. Joshua is passionate about implementing trauma-responsive techniques, exploring alternative student discipline methods, and promoting healthy leadership habits. He is deeply committed to enhancing leadership capacity through self-care practices, ensuring that educators are equipped to lead with empathy and resilience. As the author of The Language of Behavior and Aspire to Lead and host of two popular podcasts, Joshua continues to inspire and empower educators and leaders worldwide. Follow Joshua Stamper: * Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ * Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper * Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper * Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast * Subscribe to Aspire to Lead: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2 * Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175 -- Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD? Contact Brad Waid at techbradwaid@gmail.com to book Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits. -- Review the Podcast I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to us that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. -- Teach Better Podcast Network This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/