Utah PTA Pulse Podcast: A Conversation with the National PTA Executive Director

Utah PTA Pulse Podcast: A Special Conversation with National PTA President Yvonne Johnson 🎙️✨

In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo sit down with National PTA President Yvonne Johnson to discuss her historic three-year term, major advocacy wins, and the incredible power of a parent's voice. Get ready to be inspired! In this special episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, host Corey Fairholm and co-host Angelee Aedo are joined by a truly phenomenal guest: Yvonne Johnson, the 58th National PTA President. As she nears the end of her historic three-year term, Yvonne reflects on the massive milestones, tough decisions, and heartwarming moments that defined her presidency. 🌟 From successfully securing the first dues increase in 13 years and hiring an amazing new executive director, to navigating the market sale of the Alexandria building, Yvonne’s term has been full of impactful leadership. But what she is most proud of? Building deep, trusting relationships with state branches and remaining "freakishly responsive" to local units everywhere. 🤝📱 Yvonne dives deep into her lifetime passion—advocacy. She shares the story of how a school attendance issue 35 years ago sparked her PTA journey , leading her all the way to representing children's needs at the White House alongside the First Lady! Listen in as the group discusses: * The critical importance of succession planning and building a leadership pipeline. * National PTA's recent position statement on the evolving landscape of AI. * How local members are automatically plugged into national benefits like grants, mental health resources, and food security programs. * Why every parent's voice matters, whether you are speaking at a school board meeting or helping another parent navigate special education. As Yvonne prepares to transition into life after the presidency—which includes serving on a state gun violence prevention board, reading by the pool, and finally adopting a new puppy —this episode serves as a powerful reminder that we are an "army of parents" fighting for every child's potential. Stick around until the very end to hear about the team's viral dancing moments on the Utah PTA social media pages! 🎶💃🕺

Utah PTA Pulse Podcast: A Conversation with the National PTA Executive Director

Join Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo for an inspiring conversation with Howie Berman, who has served as the Executive Director of National PTA for nearly a year. With over 20 years of experience in the association and education space, Howie shares his unique perspective as both a seasoned professional and a dedicated PTA parent. In this episode, we dive deep into the "three buckets" of National PTA’s mission to support local units: Resources & Ease of Use: Discover how National PTA is making volunteering easier through the Thrive online learning platform, customizable Canva templates, and a forthcoming website redesign designed to meet busy parents where they are. 💻🛠️ Programs & Grants: Learn about the incredible opportunities available to local schools, including over $1 million in grants awarded last year and beloved programs like Reflections, STEM + Families, and Schools of Excellence. 🎨🔬 The Power of Advocacy: Howie explains how PTA’s "Forrest Gump-like" history has placed the organization at the forefront of major policy changes, from food safety to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 🏛️ We also discuss the changing landscape of volunteerism and the importance of intentional engagement—finding "micro-opportunities" for parents to get involved without feeling overwhelmed. From building authentic relationships with diverse school communities to modeling leadership for our children, this episode serves as a powerful reminder that we are a "national army of parents" working together to ensure every child reaches their full potential. 👫🌟 Tune in to hear why the "Why" of PTA always leads back to the kids! 🎒💛

Epic Stages and Rockstar Dreams: The Road to the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands 🎸🤘

Get ready to rock! 🎙️ In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, host Corey Fairholm and Director of Communications Mike Williams are diving deep into one of the most exciting events of the school year: the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands. 🏆 We are joined by Ashley Rayback, the state chair for the program, and Wes Brehm, a local film and sound professional who helps capture the magic of these student performances. 🎥🎧 From local school gymnasiums to multi-region contests, bands and soloists from across the state have been working tirelessly for their chance to play on a professional stage. 🌟 This year, the stakes are higher than ever as the competition moves to an iconic Utah venue! In this episode, you’ll discover: The Road to the State Battle: How the competition narrows down hundreds of acts into the final 18—featuring nine bands and nine solo/duet performers from the North, Central, and South regions. 🗺️🎶 A Professional Debut: The exciting announcement that this year’s state battle will be hosted at The Depot, giving student musicians the chance to perform with professional sound engineers on a world-class concert stage. 🏟️✨ Fast-Paced Talent: What to expect on the big day, from the two-song sets by full bands to the intimate original performances of soloists and duets. 🎤⚡ Behind the Lens: Wes Brehm shares his perspective on filming these rising stars and the energy that comes with capturing live student music. 📹🔥 Superhero Inspiration: A fun look into the hosts' and guests' "superhero" personas and how "graphic designer powers" might be the most needed skill in the PTA world. 🦸‍♀️💻

25 Years of Rock & Roll: The Legacy of Utah PTA Battle of the Bands 🎸✨

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, host Corey Fairholm and Director of Communications Mike Williams are thrilled to welcome a true Utah PTA legend, Patsy Chandler. Patsy joins us to share the incredible origin story of a program that has spent the last 24 years transforming the lives of students through music: the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands. 🏆🤘 From a "committee" of parents with no musical talent to a statewide tradition celebrating its upcoming 25th anniversary, this episode is a deep dive into how passion and a little bit of "bucking up" can create a lasting legacy for our youth. 🌟🙌 In this episode, you’ll discover: * The "One and a Half Page" Era: How the program started with simple rules—one original song for artistic expression and one cover song to test musical skill. 📝🎤 * Opening Night Chaos: Patsy recounts the hilarious and stressful first show at Cottonwood High School, complete with missing sound equipment and "fabulously amazing" dads stepping in to save the day. 🛠️👨‍👦 * The Power of Student Involvement: Why an original budget of just $500 turned into a mission to "up the commission" and provide a stage for every student to shine. 💰✨ * A Tradition Reborn: How a Monday morning filled with emails from supportive school administrators convinced Patsy that this "disastrous" first night was actually the start of something essential. 📧🏫 Whether you're a fan of local music, a PTA volunteer, or just love a good underdog story, this conversation celebrates the "Leaders of Tomorrow" and the adults who work tirelessly to give them a voice. 🌈🎸 Tune in and feel the pulse of Utah’s musical heritage! 🎧💃

Resilient Utah: Empowering the Leaders of Tomorrow 🎙️💪

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, the heartbeat of education and advocacy in Utah! 🌟 In this episode, host Corey Fairholm (Immediate Past President) is joined by Mike Williams (Director of Communications), filling in for Angelee Aedo, to welcome a longtime friend of the Utah PTA, Steve James. Together, they discuss the importance of Resilient Utah Month, which begins every April 1st, and how community efforts have evolved to meet the changing needs of our students. From historical gatherings at the ballpark to modern digital resources, this episode highlights the tools available to help our children thrive. In this episode, you’ll explore: * Beyond Prevention: Discover the critical shift from traditional "prevention" models to a focus on "resilience." Steve explains how moving beyond just avoiding negative behaviors to actively building internal strength helps students navigate the complexities of life with confidence. 🛠️❤️ * Partnering for the Future: A look at the decades-long collaboration between Steve’s initiatives and the Utah PTA. From singing at the 1996 building dedication to today’s statewide programs, this partnership remains dedicated to supporting the "Leaders of Tomorrow." 🤝🏆 * The Virtual Pivot: How the 2020 pandemic transformed massive community events into a digital network that brings resilience resources directly into homes and classrooms. 💻🏫 * April is Resilient Utah Month: Learn about the upcoming initiatives designed to reach every child and educator in the state this spring. 🗓️🌈 Join us for an inspiring conversation about our shared history and our ongoing commitment to the well-being of every child in Utah.