Interventions and Detentions
Interventions and Detentions is where education meets real talk. Hosted by principal Brad Targgart, the podcast dives into the challenges, celebrations, and realities of life in schools today. From why good teachers leave, to the power of collaboration, to building stronger interventions and leadership practices, Brad brings honesty, reflection, and humor to every episode. Along the way, he unpacks stories from the frontlines of education, reflects on lessons learned, and offers both practical insights and lighthearted moments that remind us why the work matters. Whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or someone passionate about the future of education, Interventions and Detentions will leave you with ideas to carry back into your own practice—plus a few laughs along the way.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
In this episode, Brad digs into The Parent Divide—the growing gap between what some parents expect from schools and what educators can realistically provide. From communication challenges to shifting responsibilities, Brad breaks down the tensions, the misunderstandings, and the real stories happening inside today’s classrooms.
Listen as he offers honest reflections, practical insights, and a grounded perspective from inside the principal’s office.
New episodes drop every Friday at 8 a.m.
Listen on Podbean, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and wherever you get your podcasts.

Friday Nov 28, 2025
Friday Nov 28, 2025
In this Thanksgiving mini-episode, Brad shares two simple but meaningful ways he practiced gratitude and generosity in his school this week—from writing personalized notes to every staff member to teaming up with the counselor to give teachers an extra thirty minutes of breathing room.
With real stories from kindergarten and first grade life, this quick episode is a reminder that small, intentional gestures can transform a school’s culture.
Interventions and Detentions…Where the Real Learning Begins.

Friday Nov 21, 2025
Friday Nov 21, 2025
In this episode, I sit down with principal and author Brian Kulak to talk about why adult SEL isn’t optional and how emotionally intelligent leadership shapes everything that happens in a school. We dig into what leaders can do to support the people who care for kids, the impact on students when adult SEL is ignored, and why strong staff culture is the foundation of every great school.

Friday Nov 14, 2025
Friday Nov 14, 2025
this episode of Interventions & Detentions, Brad opens up about the emotional realities of school leadership — the weight you carry, the pressure you absorb, and the moments that make the job feel heavier than anyone realizes.
Drawing on his journey from a 5th-grade classroom in 1997 to 22 years in the principal’s chair, Brad shares honest reflections on burnout, staying grounded, and what it truly takes to reset when everything feels overwhelming.
Whether you’re a new leader, a veteran administrator, or someone who simply understands the emotional toll of serving others, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical strategies to help you keep leading with purpose — without losing yourself in the process.

Friday Nov 07, 2025
Friday Nov 07, 2025
This week, Brad dives into how adult actions, tone, and consistency shape everything kids do — and how real change starts with us.
Because better behavior doesn’t begin with rules… it begins with relationships.
Interventions and Detentions — Where the Real Learning Begins.

Friday Oct 31, 2025
Friday Oct 31, 2025
In this special episode of Interventions and Detentions, I share a heartfelt tribute to my late father, who passed away at the age of 91. The episode opens with his obituary and reflects on his life growing up on a farm in Wawaka, Indiana, his time in the Army, his years as an IHSAA official and youth coach, and his deep love for IU basketball, the Indy 500, and his family. It’s a touching look at a humble man who left a lasting legacy through his character, work ethic, and devotion to his sons and granddaughters.

Friday Oct 24, 2025
Friday Oct 24, 2025
What really drives student behavior? In this episode, Brad dives deep into the power of connection over control, exploring why relationships, regulation, and understanding matter more than punishment. From practical interventions that actually work to reflections on the quiet kids who often go unnoticed, this episode looks at the heart of what education is all about: people.
Because every kid has a story and every educator has a reason.

Friday Oct 17, 2025
Friday Oct 17, 2025
Episode 2.8 – The Primary Grind
What’s a day in the life really like for a primary school principal? In this episode, Brad welcomes special guest Kim Kabrich, principal of Lakeland Primary School, for a real and relatable look into the joys, challenges, and surprises of leading a building full of little learners.
From morning drop-off chaos to heartwarming classroom moments and everything in between, Brad and Kim share stories that’ll make educators nod, laugh, and maybe even tear up a little.
Stick around for a fun round of rapid-fire questions at the end — because even principals need a brain break!

Friday Oct 10, 2025
Friday Oct 10, 2025
What’s it really like growing up as the principal’s kid?
In this week’s episode of Interventions and Detentions, I sit down with my daughters, Madi and Meredith, to find out! They share the real story of being “PKs” — from tagging along to school events when they were little, to walking the halls of the same school where their dad was in charge.

Friday Oct 03, 2025
Friday Oct 03, 2025
Episode 2:6 – So I Married a Principal
Interventions and Detentions – Where the Real Learning Begins
In this special episode, Brad welcomes his wife, Shari Targgart, to the mic. Together they share stories, laughs, and honest reflections about what it’s like to be married to a school principal. From the everyday challenges to the lighter moments, this behind-the-scenes conversation gives listeners a personal look at life beyond the office.








