
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Est. Listeners
Insufficient chart data. Estimates will improve as the show charts.
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
N/A🎙 Weekly cadence·70 episodes·Last published 4d ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
N/A - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
N/A
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 10 epsHosts
Recent guests
Recent episodes
New Lockdown Drills and School Safety Guidance with Dr. Steven Brock, Dr. Melissa Reeves & Mo Canady
Jun 24, 2026
Unknown duration
You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis to Prevent It with Dr. Kate Rahi
Jun 10, 2026
55m 45s
From Loss to Legacy: How We Make Our Schools Safe with Lori Alhadeff
May 27, 2026
37m 48s
Turning School Safety Plans Into Real-World Action with Craig Straw
May 13, 2026
56m 30s
What Happens After We Identify a Threat? with Sammie Wicks
Apr 29, 2026
1h 07m 37s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/24/26 | ![]() New Lockdown Drills and School Safety Guidance with Dr. Steven Brock, Dr. Melissa Reeves & Mo Canady | How do schools prepare for emergencies in ways that protect both physical safety and psychological well-being?In this special episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay is joined by Dr. Steven Brock, Dr. Melissa Reeves, and Mo Canady to discuss the newly updated Best Practice Guidance for School Safety and Lockdown Drills: Preparing for Active Threats.More than a decade after the original guidance was first released, this updated edition reflects years of research, lessons learned from schools across the country, and the collective expertise of educators, school psychologists, school resource officers, and safety professionals. Together, the panel explores how school safety practices have evolved, what the latest evidence tells us about lockdown drills, and why preparedness efforts must support both physical and psychological safety.Whether you're a school leader, educator, school resource officer, mental health professional, or parent, this conversation offers practical insights into creating safer, more supportive learning environments for every student.In this conversation:• What's new in the 2026 Best Practice Guidance for School Safety and Lockdown Drills• Why physical safety and psychological safety are inseparable• What the latest research reveals about lockdown drills and student preparedness• Why highly sensorial active shooter simulations should not be used in schools• How schools can build readiness without increasing fear and anxiety• New recommendations for schools and communities impacted by trauma or targeted violence👉 Listen now to learn how evidence-based school safety practices can help schools prepare for emergencies while supporting the confidence, well-being, and resilience of students and staff.Guest links:Dr Melissa Reeveshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-a-louvar-reeves-388b97bb/Dr Stephen Brockhttps://www.safeandsoundschools.org/featured-speakers/dr.-stephen-brockMo Canadyhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mo-canady-90b0b211/Safe and Sound Speakers:https://www.safeandsoundschools.org/speakersShow links & resources:Connect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Safe and Sound Schools:https://safeandsoundschools.org | — | ||||||
| 6/10/26 | ![]() You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis to Prevent It with Dr. Kate Rahi✨ | school safetyprevention+4 | Dr. Kate Rahi | Safe and Sound Schools | — | school safetycrisis prevention+5 | — | 55m 45s | |
| 5/27/26 | ![]() From Loss to Legacy: How We Make Our Schools Safe with Lori Alhadeff✨ | school safetyadvocacy+4 | Lori Alhadeff | Make Our Schools SafeAlyssa’s Law | Marjory Stoneman Douglas High SchoolParkland, Florida | school safetyadvocacy+6 | — | 37m 48s | |
| 5/13/26 | ![]() Turning School Safety Plans Into Real-World Action with Craig Straw✨ | school safetyreal-world execution+4 | Craig Straw | Safe and Sound Schoolsmilitary+2 | — | school safety plansemergency management+5 | — | 56m 30s | |
| 4/29/26 | ![]() What Happens After We Identify a Threat? with Sammie Wicks✨ | school safetybehavioral threat assessment+4 | Sammie Wicks | Safe and Sound Schools | — | threat identificationcrisis intervention+5 | — | 1h 07m 37s | |
| 4/15/26 | ![]() 5 Ways Schools Can Identify Threats... Before They Escalate with Bruno Dias✨ | school safetybehavioral threat assessment+4 | Bruno Dias | Safe and Sound SchoolsLinkedIn | — | threat assessmentschool safety+3 | — | 50m 35s | |
| 4/1/26 | ![]() Leading School Safety Together, Not Alone with Katey McPherson✨ | school safetycommunity-centered leadership+3 | Katey McPherson | Safe and Sound Schools | — | school leadershipsafety culture+3 | — | 56m 14s | |
| 3/5/26 | ![]() What Cafeterias Can Teach Us About School Safety with Patti Montague and Liz Campbell✨ | school safetynutrition professionals+3 | Patti MontagueLiz Campbell | School Nutrition Association | — | school safetycafeteria+5 | — | 50m 12s | |
| 2/11/26 | ![]() The Power of Options-Based Crisis Response with Jason Cornwell & Ben Thompson✨ | options-based crisis responseschool safety+4 | Jason CornwellBen Thompson | Frederick County Public Schools | — | crisis responseschool safety training+5 | — | 49m 09s | |
| 2/4/26 | ![]() The Future of School Safety Is Mission Driven with Antoinette King✨ | school safetymission-driven approach+4 | Antoinette King | Safe and Sound Schools | — | school safetymission-driven+5 | — | 55m 41s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 1/7/26 | ![]() Before, During and After: Rethinking Crisis Response with Ben Fernandez✨ | crisis responseschool safety+4 | Ben Fernandez | Safe and Sound SchoolsICS+1 | — | crisis interventionschool psychologist+5 | — | 44m 39s | |
| 11/12/25 | ![]() How Smart Alert Systems Can Boost School Safety AND Save Resources with Verkada’s Nikita Gupta | What if the tools you already have could make your campus safer, your team more efficient, and your response time faster — all without adding new staff or systems?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, host Michele Gay talks with Nikita Gupta, Senior Product Manager at Verkada, about how AI and mobile alerts are helping schools modernize their safety operations. They explore how smart alert systems can free up staff, reduce false alarms, and deliver real-time insight — empowering schools to respond faster and focus on what matters most: their students.In this conversation:How smart alert systems streamline safety and communicationWays AI and automation reduce manual monitoring and false alarmsHow schools can improve safety without increasing staff or costsWhy “more data” doesn’t have to mean “more work”How technology can empower, not replace, the people who keep schools safe👉 Listen now to learn how schools can strengthen safety and save valuable resources with smart alert solutions.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:Verkada:https://www.verkada.com/Connect with Nikita Gupta on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikita-g/Show links:Connect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Donate: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/Safe and Sound Schools website:https://safeandsoundschools.org | — | ||||||
| 11/5/25 | ![]() The Secret Behind Utah’s School Safety Transformation with Shauntelle Cota & Rhett Larsen | What’s the real secret to transforming school safety? It’s not just policies or protocols — it’s people working together, across agencies, communities, and even states.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay talks with Shauntelle Cota and Rhett Larsen of the Utah School Safety Center about how Utah built a true culture of safety statewide. From landmark legislation to lessons learned from other states, they share how cooperation, consistency, and student voice are reshaping safety across Utah — and what every state can learn from their approach.Shauntelle and Rhett open up about the heavy lift of turning laws into lived culture, how they balance physical security with climate and connection, and why in school safety, we can never declare the work finished.In this conversation:The cooperation that powers Utah’s “school safety revolution”Why common language is the foundation for a culture of safetyHow Utah turned tragedy and legislation into momentum for changeThe balance between physical safety, culture, and climateWhat it takes to support schools without overwhelming themWhy student voice must shape every safety planThe reminder that in school safety, “we will never arrive” — the work is ongoing👉 Listen now to discover the secret behind Utah’s progress — and how your state or community can learn from it.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:Utah School Safety CentreShauntelle on Linkedin | — | ||||||
| 10/22/25 | ![]() What Every Educator NEEDS to Know About School Law with Amanda Bigbee | Most educators know school law matters — but few really understand how it shapes everyday safety. What if the rules we fear could actually empower us to protect our students better?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with Amanda Bigbee, a veteran school attorney and trusted advisor to districts across Texas, to unpack what the law really says — and what it doesn’t — about keeping schools safe.Amanda shares the misconceptions she sees most often, from privacy laws to liability fears, and explains how legal teams, administrators, and educators can work together to make smart, confident decisions when it matters most.What emerges is a powerful reminder: the law isn’t meant to stand in your way — it’s there to help you do the right thing.In this conversation:Why fear of liability can actually make schools less safeThe truth about FERPA, privacy, and information sharingHow to build trust between educators and legal teams before a crisis hitsThe real difference between policy and practice — and why people come firstWhy “lawyer speak” can sound confusing, and how to bridge the gap👉 Listen now to hear how Amanda Bigbee is helping schools turn legal confusion into confident, collaborative safety action. Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest links:Amanda's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-bigbeeBaylor University:https://edl.soe.baylor.edu/person/dr-amanda-bigbeesShow Links:Safe and Sound Schools: https://safeandsoundschools.orgConnect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Donate to support Safe and Sound Schools: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/ | — | ||||||
| 10/8/25 | ![]() How to Respond When Kids Are Stressed or Struggling with Dr. Stephanie Grant | When kids act out, shut down, or spiral, it’s easy to label their behavior as defiance. But what if those moments are really signs of stress — and opportunities for connection?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay speaks with Dr. Stephanie Grant, child psychologist and national trainer on trauma-informed practices, about how stress and trauma affect the student brain. Dr. Grant shares why adult responses matter more than we think — and how the right strategies can turn challenging behaviors into moments of safety and growth.In this conversation:How to recognize the difference between trauma and stressWhy kids’ first reactions aren’t “choices” but neurological reflexesWhat adults can do to pause, reframe, and respond effectivelyWhy every school needs behavior safety plans, just like fire drillsThe critical role of relationships in reducing stress and building resilience👉 Listen now to hear Dr. Stephanie Grant explain how adults can respond to kids in ways that foster safety, trust, and growth.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Connect with Michele Gay: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay | — | ||||||
| 10/1/25 | ![]() It Takes a Village: Why Community is Key to School Safety with Amy Jeffs | What does it really mean to engage a community in school safety? Beyond slogans and vision statements, how do schools, parents, and partners work together to create real impact?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with Amy Jeffs — a longtime partner and advocate for safer schools — to unpack what genuine community engagement looks like. From building trust to forging partnerships, Amy shares how schools can move from “talking the talk” to “walking the walk.”In this conversation: - Why community engagement is more than a buzzword - Practical ways schools can partner with parents, nonprofits, and businesses - The role of trust and relationships in sustaining safety efforts - Challenges schools face when trying to involve their wider community - How inclusive engagement strengthens school culture and safety👉 Listen now to learn how schools can harness the power of community to keep every student safe.Guest Links:Amy on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-jeffs-732940/Status Solutions:https://www.statussolutions.com/Show Links:Safe and Sound Schools: https://safeandsoundschools.orgConnect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/Donate to support Safe and Sound Schools: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/ | — | ||||||
| 9/24/25 | ![]() The Rise and Rise of Vaping in Schools with Jermaine Galloway | Parents may think they’d recognize the signs of drug or alcohol use in their kids, but the reality is far more complicated. Today’s guest has spent decades uncovering what families, schools, and even communities often miss.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele talks with Jermaine “Tall Cop” Galloway, a nationally recognized expert on substance trends and prevention, about what’s really happening inside our schools — and how schools and communities need to adapt to the rising dangers.. From vapes and concealment tactics to the deeper issue of how we build safe environments, Jermaine challenges us to pay attention to what’s right in front of us.In this conversation:Why vaping is changing the landscape of school substance useThe most common blind spots parents and educators faceHow “culture over gadgets” applies to prevention and safetyPractical ways adults can talk with kids and spot early warning signsWhy community engagement is the key to keeping schools safe👉 Listen now to hear how Jermaine Galloway is helping parents and schools move beyond assumptions and build safer, stronger communities.Guest Links: Tall Cop official site: https://www.tallcopsaysstop.com/ Tall Cop on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TallCopSaysStop Tall Cop Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5E7sEXTbZ4QkERzgUBJ3BH?si=705f3497dfe8407c&nd=1&dlsi=ce4a31527c1f4eacShow Links: Safe and Sound Schools: https://safeandsoundschools.org Connect with Michele: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-gay/ Donate to support Safe and Sound Schools: https://safe-and-sound-schools.web.app/Visit https://safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community. | — | ||||||
| 9/17/25 | ![]() Every Student Needs Someone to Turn To with Barbara Grimm | When it comes to keeping schools safe, it’s not just about plans or protocols — it’s about people. How can schools make sure every student feels they have someone they can trust?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay speaks with Barbara Grimm, School Safety Specialist with SchoolResponder and longtime Safe and Sound Schools partner, about the role of connection in prevention and response.Barbara shares stories from her work across the country, highlighting why student engagement is central to safety — and why it matters that schools offer many different kinds of trusted adults. Together, Michele and Barbara explore what it takes to build communities where no student feels alone.In this conversation:Why student voice is essential in any school safety effortHow to make sure students have multiple trusted adults they can turn toThe value of diversity in school safety roles — so every child can find a relatable connectionWhat Barbara has learned from listening to students at Safe and Sound Schools eventsHow educators and community members can create a culture of openness and trust👉 Listen now to hear how Barbara Grimm is helping schools put relationships at the heart of safety.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:SchoolResponder appConnect with Barbara on LinkedInShow links:Connect with MicheleDonateSafe and Sound Schools website | — | ||||||
| 9/10/25 | ![]() Why School Safety Is Everyone’s Job with Kathy Martinez-Prather | When it comes to keeping schools safe, there’s no single law, gadget, or checklist that will do the job — and Kathy Martinez-Prather wants everyone to know it.As Director of the Texas School Safety Center, Kathy leads one of the nation’s most forward-thinking efforts to create safer schools through prevention, policy, and community collaboration. In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with Kathy to explore what school safety really means, why it’s so much more than security hardware, and how every person — from students to policymakers — has a role to play.In this conversation:Why “school safety” means much more than preventing active shooter incidentsHow Texas is building a culture of safety through legislation, training, and collaborationThe critical role of prevention and early intervention — and why “see something, say something” still worksThe next generation of safety leaders: engaging youth in statewide safety initiatives👉 Listen now and learn how prevention, connection, and shared responsibility can transform school safety in your community.Visit safeandsoundschools.org for resources, tools, and ways to take action.Links and resources:Texas School Safety Center on LinkedInShow links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website | — | ||||||
| 9/3/25 | ![]() The Social Media Health Crisis in Schools with Psychologist Dr. Scott Poland | How do we protect kids in a world that's always online?Dr. Scott Poland has been on the frontlines of school crisis response and youth suicide prevention for decades — but today’s challenges with social media and mental health are unlike anything we’ve faced before.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay reconnects with one of Safe and Sound Schools’ earliest champions to talk about what’s really going on with kids today, and how parents, educators, and communities can respond with clarity, compassion, and practical tools.From the rise of anxiety and depression to the role of family modeling and digital literacy, this conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths — but it also offers real hope.In this conversation:Why “more green time, less screen time” might be the mantra we all needHow digital life impacts self-worth, bullying, and mental healthWhat families can do right now to set healthier boundaries with techThe critical role of school psychologists and student servicesHow community support makes the difference after a school tragedy👉 Listen now and explore what it really means to support youth mental health in today’s world.Visit safeandsoundschools.org to access mental health resources, school toolkits, and expert guidance.Show links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website | — | ||||||
| 8/27/25 | ![]() From the Frontlines of Crisis Communication with Dr. Lori Mueller & Jerry Gallagher | When a crisis hits, what you say — and how you say it — can shape a community’s path to recovery.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay sits down with veteran educators and crisis communication experts Dr. Lori Mueller and Jerry Gallagher to unpack what it takes to lead in the moments that matter most. Drawing from their years of experience supporting schools before, during, and after emergencies, Lori and Jerry share the strategies, pitfalls, and personal lessons that help leaders protect both safety and trust.From navigating tragedy with compassion to making sure every voice feels heard, this conversation offers practical steps — and the human perspective — behind effective crisis response.In the conversation:How to communicate when emotions run high and facts are still coming inThe difference between “managing” a crisis and leading through oneWhy trust is your most valuable safety asset — and how to build it before you need itLessons from real school emergencies that can help any leader be better preparedThe role of relationships in both prevention and recovery👉 Listen now and learn how to strengthen your school community before the next crisis hits.Visit https://safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Guest Links:Dr Lori Mueller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lori-mueller-42a74736/Jerry Gallagher:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jerry-gallagher-7b405b156/Donovan Group:https://donovan-group.com/crisis/Show links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website | — | ||||||
| 8/13/25 | ![]() The Truth About Autism and Water Safety with Swim Angelfish Co-Founder Cindy Freedman | Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for children with autism. But what if the biggest barrier to preventing it... is misunderstanding?In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, host Michele Gay sits down with Cindy Freedman, co-founder of Swim Angelfish and a longtime pediatric therapist, to confront the realities — and the myths — of water safety for neurodivergent children. Together, they share hard truths, personal stories, and practical tools that every family, therapist, and school leader should know.From Michele’s own experience navigating water safety with her daughter Josephine, to Cindy’s decades of training professionals across the country, this conversation shines a light on how we can turn the water from a place of fear into one of empowerment, safety, and inclusion.In this conversation:Why children with autism are at much higher risk of drowning — and how we fix thatThe most dangerous myths about water safety and neurodivergent kidsWhat makes aquatic therapy so powerful for teaching body awareness and regulationHow Swim Angelfish helps professionals nationwide create safer water experiencesWhy real safety means meeting kids where they are — not where we wish they were👉 Listen now and learn how to turn awareness into action — in your family, your school, and your community.PLUS download some AMAZING free tools on water safety at: https://swimangelfish.com/Guest Links:Swim AngelfishLinkedInInstagramSwim Whisperers PodcastShow links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website | — | ||||||
| 8/6/25 | ![]() The Most Overlooked Safety Fix for Schools with Former Secret Service Agent Mike Matranga | When former Secret Service agent Mike Matranga turned his attention to school safety, he didn’t bring more gadgets or guards — he brought a mission to empower people.In this episode of The Sound Off on School Safety, Michele Gay talks with nationally recognized school safety leader Mike Matranga about what most schools get wrong — and what it really takes to prevent violence. From his experience in the Secret Service to leading safety transformation in Texas City ISD after the Santa Fe tragedy, Mike shares why prevention beats panic, and how culture — not tech — is the key to safer schools.In the conversation:Why safety culture must be prioritized over technology The behavioral cues that matter — and when to act on themHow to empower every adult in a school without overwhelming themWhy reducing all violence — not just active shootings — matters mostThe critical difference between tools that feel safe vs. those that are👉 Listen now and learn how real safety starts with empowering real people.Visit https://safeandsoundschools.org to explore resources, tools, and more ways to take action in your school community.Links and resources:Mike’s LinkedInM6 Global DefenseShow links:Connect with MicheleDonateVisit our website | — | ||||||
| 4/10/25 | ![]() Grooming 101: Red Flags, Abuse Patterns, and Keeping Kids Safe with Michelle Denault | How do we protect our kids from grooming and abuse when the signs are often so hard to spot?In this episode of The Sound Off, Michele Gay sits down with Michelle Denault, an advocate and survivor, to discuss the realities of grooming, how predators manipulate trust, and how we can build safer environments for our children. Michelle shares her powerful story and offers practical insights into how communities can recognize and respond to grooming behaviors to protect kids from harm. | — | ||||||
| 4/2/25 | ![]() Weapons Detection in K-12 Schools: Key Context and Layered Strategies with Tom McDermott | Weapons detection in schools—it’s a challenging topic that sparks strong opinions.In this episode, Michele Gay sits down with Tom McDermott, a recognized expert in detection technology, to unpack what weapons detection really means for K-12 schools. They discuss why it’s not just about metal detectors, but about layered security strategies and thoughtful implementation.Listen to learn how to balance safety with practical concerns, and why understanding the difference between traditional metal detection and modern weapons detection is key. | — | ||||||
Showing 25 of 69
Pitch Fit is a Pro feature
See how bookable this show is for guests, which brands already advertise, the per-episode ad value, and the best-fit guest and sponsor profile. The numbers are blurred on the free plan.
How readily this show books outside guests like you.
How proven this show is for host-read sponsorships.
For Guests
ProFor Advertisers
ProUpgrade to Pro to unlock guest cadence, sponsor categories, fit scores, and per-episode ad value for this show.
