Guest
Preparation Guide
Pre-recorded · Airs Thursdays 10:00 AM CST
Congratulations — and welcome.
The SHOW was created for one reason: to shine a light on the right kind of leaders building the right kind of systems. We don't need more leaders across American education — we have enough, thank you. We need more of the right kind.
Your invitation means something.
Nearly 100 episodes.
No fluff. No softball questions.
The SHOW has featured nearly 100 episodes spotlighting superintendents and college/university presidents doing work that challenges what most people think is possible in public education. Just real leaders, real data, and real results — interrogated.
Conversational.
Not a panel. Not a keynote.
The interview runs 20–25 minutes. Dr. Joe drives with short, direct questions. You do most of the talking. There are no gotcha moments, but there are no easy questions either. Expect to be challenged on your data, your decisions, and your vision.
How the Conversation Flows
Opening
Dr. Joe opens with your specific data — the numbers that look impossible on paper. Expect a direct challenge: "How are you actually doing this?"
Your Edge
What personal wiring or unconventional background gives you an advantage others don't have? He connects your story to your outcomes.
The Evidence
Dr. Joe plays skeptic. He'll present ways someone could explain away your results — then ask you to prove him wrong. Specifics win here.
Your Story
The origin moment. When did you know this work was yours? Who believed in you before the results arrived? This is where the show gets human.
The Model
How do you operationalize your philosophy? Name the programs, partners, systems, and people. He will push past principles every time.
The Future
Where are you taking this? Dr. Joe will ask whether you're building something with national implications — and whether you're ready to own that.
You're in.
Here's everything
you need.
A few things we need from you — and a few things you can count on from us.
Send Us Your Headshot
We'll use your photo for promotion across our platforms — social media, episode thumbnails, and guest features. Please send a high-resolution headshot (professional preferred) to our Executive Administrator. A clear, well-lit photo goes a long way.
Provide Your Office Address
We'd love to send you a book gift as a thank-you for being on The SHOW. Please share your office mailing address so we can get it to you. Send it along with your headshot to our Executive Administrator.
Identify Your "Impossible to Inevitable" Moment
Come ready to tell one real story — a challenge your team faced that looked insurmountable, and what changed. No script needed. Just know the arc.
Join 10 Minutes Early
We'll do a quick tech check. The conversation runs 20–30 minutes and most guests are surprised by how quickly it flows.
Your Episode Link Comes to You First
Before anything is public, you'll receive your link to share with your board, staff, and community.
Questions? Reach Uni.
Our Executive Administrator handles all logistics. She'll take care of it.
Your episode link comes to you first.
Before anything is shared publicly, you'll receive your link to forward to your board, team, and community ahead of the broadcast.
Pre-recorded. 20–30 minutes.
No script. No slides.
A direct conversation with Dr. Joe — he asks short, pointed questions. You do most of the talking. Join 10 minutes early for a quick tech check.
Airs Thursdays at 10:00 AM CST.
Episodes are released weekly. Your episode date will be confirmed by our Executive Administrator. Most guests are surprised by how quickly the conversation flows.
How to Prepare
Five things to have ready before the conversation starts.
Know your numbers.
Dr. Joe will already have them. The more specifically you can speak to your data, the better the conversation.
Own your origin story.
When did you choose this work? Who believed in you before the results were there?
Name your contrarian move.
What did you do that most leaders in your seat wouldn't? Be ready to own it.
Don't avoid your challenge.
Dr. Joe won't skip the hard part. Tension is what makes the episode worth watching.
Bring specifics.
Program names, partners, timelines, outcomes. He'll push past philosophy every time.
Rapid-Fire to Close
One or two words is fine — riff if something hits.
A quote you live by
Morning person or night owl?
One decision you'd make 10× over
A regional loyalty test — food, sports, or geography
Your guilty pleasure
Best lesson from outside education
If not this role — what would you be doing?
One word for your institution's future
What 25-year-old you would think of you now
An AI or sector-trend question tailored to your work
Questions?
Reach Uni.
Our Executive Administrator handles all logistics — headshots, book gift shipping, scheduling, and anything else you need before your episode. She'll take care of it.
Please reach out at least 48 hours before your recording date. Include your headshot and office mailing address in the same email.
Include your headshot and office mailing address in the same email. We'll handle the rest.
Dr. Joe & Higher Performance Group
Higher Performance Group works with educational leaders across the country who are serious about building systems that last — not managing ones that drift. If The SHOW resonates, the work behind it will too.
