Chris and Shaun sit down with Zach Gale, an elementary special education teacher and the founder of Me to We. Zach discusses his journey from a hyper-competitive sports family to finding his purpose in supporting students with behavioral needs. We explore the transition from "Me" to "We," the importance of routine for mental health, and why Zach believes your story can one day become someone else’s survival guide.
Key Takeaways:
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- Behavior as Communication: A core pillar of Zach’s teaching philosophy—understanding that every action from a child (or adult) is an attempt to communicate an underlying need.
- The "Me to We" Shift: Inspired by Inky Johnson, Zach explains how attaching yourself to a purpose and mission makes you "dangerous" in the best way possible.
- The Savage Servant: Trading the idea of being a "nice guy" for being a "good man"—someone who stands their ground and holds core values while remaining a "warrior in a garden."
- The Power of Routine: Why waking up at 4:00 AM and investing in self-discipline is Zach's greatest form of self-love and mental health maintenance.
Episode Highlights:
- [00:00] Intro: Celebrating Angela Saini and the Daniel Radcliffe connection.
- [05:30] The Gale Household: Growing up with a father who coached for 23 years and the "Golden Year" retirement video.
- [13:45] The Pivot to Special Ed: How "Bartlett Baseball Buddies" changed Zach's career path just days before college.
- [19:20] Men in Education: The disparity of male teachers at the elementary level and the importance of male role models in schools.
- [25:10] Perspective in the Classroom: Having tough conversations with veteran teachers and putting personal biases aside for the students.
- [33:00] The Origins of Me to We: Starting with Zoom workouts during COVID and evolving into a formalized LLC and men's group.
- [40:15] Family & Addiction: Zach’s middle brother’s journey to sobriety and his role in the men's group today.
- [48:40] Imposter Syndrome & Social Media: The struggle for authenticity in a society that casts judgment.
- [55:20] Curiosity Over Judgment: How Ted Lasso and "perspective taking" drive connection in Zach’s workshops.
- [01:02:00] The Best Sports Movie Debate: Miracle vs. Facing the Giants (and the notable absence of Hoosiers).
Connect with Zach Gale:
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