Public Education Unfiltered

About Public Education Unfiltered

By Educators. For Educators. Public education is facing new challenges, and it is time for honest conversations about what school districts are up against. Unfiltered Education is hosted by Brian J. Stephens, CEO and founder of Caissa K12, an organization that helps public school districts strengthen enrollment, recruitment, retention and family engagement. Through candid conversations with superintendents, policymakers and education leaders, the podcast explores the biggest issues affecting public schools today, including chronic absenteeism, declining enrollment, student recruitment, funding challenges and policy changes. Each episode goes beyond the headlines to share real experiences, practical strategies and solutions public school leaders can use in their own communities. Have a topic you would like us to cover or a guest you would like to see featured on the show? Email Elizabeth@caissaps.com

Publisher

Brian J. Stephens

Category

education · government · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

25 Feb 2025

Latest episode

21 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

72 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Oct 2026

   Danny Bauer: Why Great School Leaders Walk Away

   Did you like this episode? Why are schools struggling to keep great educators and attract the next generation of talent? Brian sits down with Danny Bauer, author, school leadership coach, and host of the Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast, to unpack what’s driving talented educators away. Danny challenges traditional K–12 hiring and retention strategies and shares what leaders can do differently to create a culture where great people want to join, stay, and thrive.

2. 

   1 Oct 2026

   Why Being Too Polite is Ruining Your Reputation

   Did you like this episode? Smart professionals often fall into the trap of telling people what they want to hear to avoid immediate conflict. It's a natural response that prioritizes short term comfort over long term success. But choosing surface level politeness instead of honest communication ultimately erodes credibility, weakens relationships, and destroys trust over time. The most respected leaders are not the ones who avoid difficult conversations. They are the ones who communicate hone...

3. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth: Building Community Trust

   Did you like this episode? Public schools are competing for families, but the bigger battle may be trust. Dr. Jerry Hollingsworth, Superintendent of Eagle Mountain Saginaw ISD, joins Brian to challenge the national narrative around public education and unpack school choice, accountability, and what it takes to earn families’ confidence. Plus, he shares how EMS ISD is turning strategy into action with its Balanced Scorecard and “EMS 11.”

Who has been a guest on Public Education Unfiltered

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Leila
• Brian Stephens
• Rochanda Jackson
• Jane Doe
• Industry experts

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

75

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Public Education Unfiltered

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.