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Joyful Disruption: Rethinking Leadership, Learning, and Play
What if joy were not simply something we hoped to see in our schools, but something we intentionally built into the way we teach and lead?
In this episode of Moving Forward, Linda sits down with Dr. Marvin Reed—an educator, assistant principal, musician, scholar, and mentor who believes deeply in the power of joy, belonging, and human connection.
Marvin shares how his experiences as a young Black male educator and leader have shaped his commitment to helping students feel seen, valued, and capable. He also talks about his love of music and the marching arts, and how those experiences taught him to lead with discipline, creativity, trust, energy, and heart.
Together, Linda and Marvin explore his idea of “Joyful Disruption”—having the courage to question practices that are no longer serving students and imagine something better. They also discuss his article, “Less Lecture, More Play,” and the important question at its center: Instead of asking whether children are ready for school, are our schools ready to welcome the children who walk through their doors?
The conversation goes beyond children and classrooms. Marvin shares why adults also need opportunities to play, stay curious, take risks, and reconnect with joy. He reminds us that school leaders set the emotional tone of a campus—they are, in many ways, the “DJs of the campus.”
In this episode, Linda and Marvin discuss:
How Marvin’s identity, experiences, and love of music shaped the educator and leader he is today
What “Joyful Disruption” means and why joy and belonging matter
Why both children and adults need play, curiosity, and creativity
How leaders can create places where people feel seen, valued, and inspired
Marvin’s story reminds us that joy is not separate from meaningful learning or strong leadership. It is part of what makes both possible.
Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope
Every person has a story. Every story has the power to encourage someone else.
Until next time...keep moving forward.
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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay
Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez
