The Yearbooking Report Podcast

The Yearbooking Report, February 2026 - The Value of Yearbook Writing

Let's be honest, most yearbooks at all levels are just picture books. When it comes to yearbook writing - well, not interested.

Yet yearbook writing is a crucial part of any good yearbook. Words fill in the blanks that the pictures don't tell us, and that's a LOT.

We talk with award winning adviser Justin Daigle of Brighton HS in Colorado about the need for writing, why kids seem to hate it so, what writing to add, how to do it and much more. Also the Vice President of the Journalism Education Association, Justin was the National Yearbook Adviser of the Year in 2024.

The Yearbooking Report, January 2026 - Effective Yearbook Marketing

When we look at good yearbooking we see a 50-50 proposition: 50% creating the book and 50% marketing and sales. Yet for most yearbook advisers it's probably more like 90-10...or less. Yet if you make an awesome yearbook but few people buy one - you've failed.

What is good yearbook marketing? Why is it so important? And how can any staff really get attention for their efforts (that's marketing) that leads to sales success?

For this episode we went for a company person, in this case Shaun Stapleton - he's the VP of sales and marketing for Entourage Yearbooks. Listen to our wide ranging conversation on the what, why and how for any yearbook adviser working with any company. This one is a bit long but it is filled with insights, inspiration and ideas. Never too late to get started with new efforts to promote your book and boost your sales.

The Yearbooking Report, December 2025 - Tips for Better Photography

Pictures will always be the #1 element of any yearbook - but what KINDS of pictures? Just random snapshots, or those that tell a story just by looking at them?

From our TYR archives we went back to a great interview with Mike McLean, a professional freelance photographer and trainer from Texas who has been helping yearbook staffs for many years. 

Listen as Mike goes through some basic steps to improve your photo shooting, along with in-depth information on lens usage, better lighting and more. Get some great advice for rookie photogs and also students/advisers who really want to up their picture taking game.

The Yearbooking Report, November 2025 - Legal Issues and Yearbook

Advisers and staffs can't just do anything with their yearbook - some legal issues come into play. We run down the legal world and student journalism with Mike Hiestand, Sr. Legal Counsel for the Student Press Law Center in Washington, DC. What can be used from other sources? What is prior review and prior restraint? And a school got nailed for a $10,000 penalty? Yes, watch this rundown for things to try - and avoid...

The Yearbooking Report, October 2025 - Staff Organization

Every yearbooking effort has a staff, even solo acts. Especially for student staffs, how to organize them to produce a great book every year? How to establish student leaders so advisers lower their stress without making every decision? We talked to Mike Simons of Corning-Painted Post HS in NY, one of the top advisers in the country, who shared great ideas and advice from his 20+ years at the helm. You'll be taking notes here... 

The Yearbooking Report, September 2025 - Yearbooks & Student Journalism Today

We start a new school year by looking at the state of yearbooking and student journalism in general today with a conversation with Gary Lundgren, associate director of the National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) and a longtime student journalism pro. How are things right now around the country? What makes a great yearbook, any level? How to use AI as part of a modern effort? Enjoy a great conversation for any adviser...

The Yearbooking Report - Mid April 2025 - The Future of Yearbooking

We discuss the future of yearbooking with one of the best, former award winning adviser Ava Butzu. Now a Jostens education specialist, Ava discusses some top yearbook issues as well as what to do in the final months of the school year.

And then we pull out the crystal ball to think about yearbook in the future - no book? Using Social Media. What about AI and how to use it right now and later. We dream some dreams for any level of yearbook, for rookie advisers to veterans. Great listening anytime but especially into summer break...

The Renaissance Report - Episode 9 - What is School Climate and Culture Anyway?

It's an issue that plagues too many schools today - poor climate and culture, which then leads to problems like low morale, bullying, lack of relationships and poor performance. What is climate and culture anyway?

We talked with a Jostens Renaissance legend, Stand Tall Steve Bollar, who has been a leader on climate and culture for over two decades. A Renaissance Hall of Famer, Steve gets clinical in breaking down what school climate and culture really are, how to change them, how the Renaissance 6 R's formula can make that change, and other ideas to improve any school, any level. More from Steve at https://www.standtallsteve.com/.

Call this MUST HEAR PODCASTING if your school is struggling with these issues. Stand Tall Steve is one of the best, a great conversation...

The Renaissance Report, Episode 8 - A Newbie Renaissance School Story

What's it like to start using Jostens Renaissance ideas at a school? How to get that ball rolling? What's the impact on both students and staffulty (faculty and staff) to improve a school? What are ideas to use? We talked with Principal Eric Underhill of Carl Sandburg Middle School in Alexandria, VA - his school just began using Renaissance ideas in the 2024-25 school year and it immediately made a BIG difference in the life of their building, a very diverse community. Eric gives us the full rundown, all aspects - and what about Renaissance ideas at a MIDDLE school? How has that age group (and their teachers) reacted? HINT - really well actually, listen for the full story...

The Renaissance Report - Episode 7 - A Superintendent's Story

Teachers and students are interested in using Jostens Renaissance ideas - but what does this look like from the superintendent level, the top office?

We talked to superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder of Central Regional School District in New Jersey about that view. She's also a Jostens Renaissance Hall of Famer and the Renaissance Champion for the northeastern corner of the U.S. She's been using Renaissance ideas since her days as a special education teacher. 

Proof? Got that. Ideas? Have those too. Motivation? You won't get a better story than Michelle's. Listen in and see how Jostens Renaissance can be a district wide strategy to benefit ALL students...