Cartoon of Al and Joe sitting on a green couch

Two principals. One couch.The job as it actually is.

A weekly conversation between two working Illinois principals — what happened this week, what they'd do differently, and the stuff nobody covers in the leadership books.

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Al & Joe

Two middle school principals who started recording the conversations they were already having — on the phone, in the parking lot, after the board meeting — because the honest version of this job is the useful one.

Al Davenport

Principal, Granger Middle School · Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year

Al runs a building where fun is a strategy, not a reward. Ask him about wearing a onesie to school, his FBI book recommendations, or why he's out at recess instead of in his office.

Dr. Joe Sweeney

Assistant Superintendent of Operations, Lemont-Bromberek 113A · IPA South Cook Principal of the Year

Joe was principal of Old Quarry Middle School for seven years before moving to the district office in 2026. He's also the author of the T.O.A.D. children's books and speaks to schools and parents through beatoad.org.

Got a topic? A question for the couch?

The best episodes start with something a listener sent. Tell us what you're dealing with in your building and we'll take it on the air — first names only, or no names at all.

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