EPS Insightful Questions: Season 2

In the second season of Insightful Questions, we dive into the theme that defines our school year 2024-25, “Leading Compassionately: Empathetic Dialogue.” In each episode, Head of School Sam Uzwack speaks with members of the EPS community to explore how empathetic dialogue shapes their experiences—in the classroom, on the field, and behind the scenes. Together, we’ll discover how this practice strengthens leadership, builds relationships, and fosters meaningful connections. Join us as we explore the insights that inspire compassionate leadership and intentional listening.

You can listen to Insightful Questions on any of the following platforms Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify.

Episode 19: Empathetic Dialogue: How Students Lead Compassionately at Eastside Prep

For this episode of Insightful Questions, Head of School Sam Uzwack is joined by four EPS students (seniors Addie and Anvika and eighth-graders Axel and Solena) to discuss their perspectives on compassionate leadership. As Addie notes, “What stands out to me about leading compassionately is really listening compassionately.”

Episode 18: Empathetic Dialogue: Empathy in Tech Innovation

For this episode of Insightful Questions, Director of Strategy, Technology, and Innovation Jonathan Briggs and co-founder of Colleague.AI Dr. Min Sun join Head of School Sam Uzwack to discuss both the future and ‘the now’ of technology and artificial intelligence.

Episode 17: Empathetic Dialogue: Creating Space for Empathy and Open Dialogue in Science

For this episode of Insightful Questions, Science faculty member Krissy Russell and students Batu and Audrey (both Class of 2029) join Head of School Sam Uzwack to discuss the importance of empathetic dialogue in the science classroom. As Krissy Russell notes, “Science is a process, it’s not about right and wrong.”

Episode 16: Leading with Empathy: In English Class and Beyond

For this episode of Insightful Questions, EPS senior Jacob Chaney and Literary Thinking teacher and Faculty Development Coordinator Karen Mills join Head of School Sam Uzwack. They discuss leading with empathy and fostering meaningful dialogue in English classes and beyond. As Jacob notes, empathetic leadership includes “not forcing people out of their comfort zones but inviting them.”

Episode 15: Empathetic Dialogue: How Compassionate Leadership Influences the Culture of Athletics at EPS

For this episode of Insightful Questions, Director of Athletics Kim Eng and student Abby Miller join Head of School Sam Uzwack to discuss the importance of empathy in athletics. As Abby notes, “The best teams succeed when they balance drive with support.”

Episode 14: Empathy in Language: A Complex and Essential Connection

For this episode of Insightful Questions, two members of the EPS Spanish faculty (Josefa Ruiz Mercader and Malcolm Yates) join Head of School Sam Uzwack to discuss the role of empathy in the Spanish classroom. They discuss their different approach to teaching Spanish given their disparate backgrounds. Regarding empathy among our students, Josefa notes, “They always impress me, the way they care about each other and how kind they are.”

Episode 13: The Role of Empathy in Math: Integration and Communication

For this episode of Insightful Questions, two members of the EPS math faculty (Sarah Aguiar and Steve Fassino) join Head of School Sam Uzwack to discuss the role of empathy in math classes. They discuss empathetic dialogue in the math discipline and how it has impacted both students and faculty. As Sam noted after recording this episode, “The most exciting thing about recording these podcasts is learning how empathetic dialogue is adopted consistently across divisions and disciplines.”

Episode 12: Empathetic Dialogue: The Role of Empathy in the Arts

For this episode of Insightful Questions, two members of the EPS fine and performing arts faculty (F&PA Director Ginger Ellingson and drama teacher Lisa Frystak) join Head of School Sam Uzwack to discuss the role of empathy in the arts. They discuss how materials are chosen and the importance of encouraging and modeling risk-taking. Ginger Ellingson notes, “We’re working with the students through the artistic process, so we are really integrated with them in the work.”

Episode 11: Meeting Students Where They Are

For this episode of Insightful Questions, EPS social science faculty members Diana Gonzalez-Castillo and Dan Yezbick reflect on building trust within the classroom setting in order to build on the habits of mind and skills for civil discourse to flourish. As Diana Gonzalez-Castillo notes, “One of the most exciting things about teaching is getting to foster a community within a classroom.”

Episode 10: Exploring Empathetic Dialogue

For the first episode of Insightful Questions Season 2, EPS faculty member Caitlin McLane and Director of Enrollment Management Cheryl Schenk share their experiences from summer professional development opportunities centered on empathetic dialogue, exploring how they are integrating these insights into the campus community and classroom environments. As Head of School Sam Uzwack notes, “You don’t just spin up the capacity to have a productive conversation. It’s a set of skills…a habit of mind.”

Special thanks to Oliver C. (Class of 2023) for the music and to our production team (Vickie Baldwin, Derek Clarke, Alek Edmonds, Tina Hadden). Please email insight@eastsideprep.org for any questions.