Northern Attitude

Two passionate teachers, Steven Zaccardo and Michael Mitchell, dive into the stories that shape who we are. Through honest conversations with students and fellow educators, we explore personal experiences, classroom moments, challenges, and triumphs that define lifelong learning and beyond. Each episode is an attempt to amplify authentic voices from the school community, highlighting growth, identity, and the human side of education.

Northern Attitude is a education podcast hosted by Steven Zaccardo & Michael Mitchell, with 22 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Steven Zaccardo & Michael Mitchell hosts Northern Attitude, a education show with 22 episodes published.

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  Episode #3

  Jason Jipson: "Just Show Up"

  Sep 27, 20261h 23mS2

  In this episode of Northern Attitude , Steven and Mitch sit down with Jason Jipson—a Webster Thomas parent who has quietly become an integral part of the local sports culture. Through his photography and videography business, PBJ Media , Jason donates his time and talent to capture countless Webster athletic teams, giving high-resolution memories back to local families. We trace Jason’s winding path to the sidelines, including his military service and the various trades that shaped his perspective before he ever bought his own camera. Central to his life is a simple, powerful mantra forged during his work counseling veterans: "Just show up." Jason breaks down why grand overhauls aren't necessary—real progress, healing, and growth come from focusing on small, consistent moves in the right direction. In our mental health segment, Jason opens up with incredible vulnerability about navigating divorce, building a new blended family, and embedding that "show up for each other" mindset into the DNA of his home. We round out the conversation with a tear-jerker cinematic moment that ties together service, sports, and what it truly means to show up when it matters most. Key Themes How PBJ Media ( Pics By Jip ) became a staple on Webster sidelines. Jason’s non-linear career path, military roots, and discovering a passion for building community through visual storytelling. The genesis of the mantra: why small moves in the right direction outweigh grand gestures during tough times. Navigating divorce, blending a family, and teaching kids the discipline of showing up for one another. The cinematic, emotional movie moment that brought the room to tears.

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  Episode #2

  Jeff Baier: "Further, Faster"

  Sep 20, 20261h 23mS2

  In this episode of Northern Attitude , Mitch and Steven sit down with veteran Webster Thomas biology teacher Jeff Baier for a conversation that hits all three of our core pillars: education, mental health, and the legacy of our local school community. What starts as a dive into Jeff’s journey from Canisteo, New York to Webster turns into a surprising look at shared history. As the conversation unfolds, Mitch and Jeff discover just how closely aligned their paths to the classroom were—following in the footsteps of the exact same mentors, separated by just five years. Jeff breaks down the core philosophy behind his classroom strategy—the concept that gives this episode its title: "Further, Faster." Jeff explains how a class can cover more ground and build deeper understanding when every student steps up to become a teacher the moment they grasp a concept. Finally, in our mental health segment, Jeff offers a remarkably grounded perspective on resilience. When asked how he navigates his hard days, we realize that "letting go" has become so deeply ingrained in Jeff's daily mindset that stress barely has a chance to take root. Driven by a genuine love for teaching, his family, and the simple joy of connecting with people every morning, Jeff delivers a masterclass in perspective and purpose. Key Themes Local Roots & Parallels Jeff’s upbringing in Canisteo, NY vs. teaching in a larger district like Webster. The unexpected discovery: How Mitch and Jeff crossed paths with the same foundational mentors five years apart. Educational Pillar: "Further, Faster" Unpacking Jeff’s pedagogy: Transforming students from passive listeners into active peer instructors. Building community is the first and highest priority in order to ramp up to full speed ahead as soon as possible in order to cover a loaded curriculum. Mental Health Segment: Perspective over Pressure Unpacking the question: "How do you get through your hard days?" The practice of immediate forgiveness and "letting it go" as second nature. Finding daily energy in family, connection, and showing up with gratitude.

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  Episode #1

  KC Sicke: "Is He Ted?"

  Sep 13, 20261h 17mS2

  Welcome back to Northern Attitude! Co-hosts Steven and Mitch kick off our S2 Fall Season with a deeply insightful conversation featuring retired Webster Thomas math teacher and legendary coach, Kenneth "KC" Sicke. In this premier episode, KC takes us back to his personal "Epiphany"—the exact moment he realized his calling was in the classroom—and shares the student-centered pedagogy that made his math classes unforgettable. We dive into how sports and life analogies build resilience, and in our mental health segment, KC reveals a different side of his creative journey: reading original poetry and reflecting on how writing serves as a vital tool for his own mental well-being and clarity. Stick around to the end as we introduce a brand-new set of rapid-fire questions (and find out KC’s favorite smell!). Grab a coffee, get comfortable, and let’s find some clarity in the cold. Together. In This Episode: Welcome to the Fall Season with a Golf Shot and Quote of the Week KC's "Epiphany" moment Pedagogy & Coaching: Translating classroom and athletic lessons into life analogies Mental Health & Expressive Writing: KC reads his original poetry Rapid Fire Round: New questions, favorite smells, and an hysterical movie moment.

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  Episode #19

  Dave Swinson and Pat Roberts: "Perspective"

  Jun 21, 20262h 3mS1

  In this bittersweet Season 1 finale, Stephen and Mitch prepare to hit "pause" by talking about the vital role an "off-season" plays in sustaining emotional resilience for educators. Then, they transition into a powerful conversation on long-term validation with a unique, cross-generational reunion. Retiring Assistant Superintendent Dave Swinson (after 27 years in education) and Webster Thomas alumnus Pat Roberts ('06) join the studio to reflect on their three decades of history. From managing a "high-energy" graduating class to tracking Pat’s fascinating journey from Webster Thomas to the Haunted Mansion at Disney to Red Rocks and other world-famous venues, this finale is a masterclass in what happens when educators put the work in and lead with empathy first. In this episode, we discuss: Why educators need an off-season to recharge. The profound impact of the 4-year cohort leadership model. Pat’s nonlinear career path and the soft skills he used to navigate along the way. Dave's core professional motto: "It’s not what we do, but rather how we do it."

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  Episode #16

  Glenn Widor: "Our Job is to Give You Choice"

  May 31, 20261h 35mS1

  <p>What does it take to lead a modern high school building while balancing the needs of students, teachers, parents, and the wider Webster community? In this episode, co-hosts Steve and Mitch sit down with Webster Thomas High School Principal Glenn Widor.</p><p>Reflecting on his deep roots and various roles at Thomas since its reopening as a high school in 2001, Glenn shares his core goals for the Titan culture, his immediate priorities for student success, and the delicate art of navigating diverse stakeholder groups. At the center of his educational philosophy is a powerful directive that shapes the...

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