HARBOR EPISODES
The Harbor, featuring Mike Smith and guests, facilitates the teaching of character development in classrooms by showcasing tangible life lessons through a school year's worth of episodes with rich, raw and engaging video content. Designed for the classroom, Renaissance members have access to a downloadable critical thinking discussion guide to foster student-led discussions for each episode
All six seasons and 160 episodes are listed below, with most recent episodes at the top. Use the "Browse by Keyword" link below to see topics covered and filter episodes by topic.
All Harbor episodes are copyright Jostens 2015-2020.
EPISODE 29: Change
There’s a lot of change we can’t control, but how we react to change is within our control and vital to making an impact on the people and culture around us. On this final “crate” episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike Smith shares his thoughts on the series and encourages us to keep working for change.
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Many of us have experienced stepping onto the field, court, or stage and looking around to see who’s there. Simply showing up for other student groups can help improve a school’s climate, culture, and sense of community.
Mike reminds us that having a positive attitude is within our control, and that having fun is an important facet of life.
Inevitably, there will be times during which our lives will get difficult. Sometimes there’s nothing we can do about it, but we can always control how…
Many of us feel stuck in a lot of ways. Guest Stacy Orsborn shares how having discipline, a growth mindset, and a philosophy of “growing better together” can all serve as a means of getting unstuck.
Mike shares his advice on how to reflect, be realistic, recalibrate, and move forward in a thoughtful and balanced way.
Guest Cammy Watkins breaks down the differences between equity and equality, and how equity goes a step further by recognizing that everyone starts with unique advantages and disadvantages, and therefore needs different solutions.
Guest Alexa Glazer explores how her father’s death impacted her and helps us see the positive growth that can come out of grieving, including how to show empathy for others going through similarly difficult situations.
Having more meaningful conversations allows people to be themselves and feel like they’re being seen, heard, known, and loved, and Mike shares three tips for how to have deeper conversations with others.
Mike speaks with Dane Adams about rejecting the notion that we’re defined solely by our activities, accomplishments, and accolades; and what defining our own sense of self-worth can look like.
Mike takes to the crate to acknowledge the challenges we are all facing during the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions, issuing a call to action for all of us to find ways to build community, take care of one another, and stay rooted in love.
Guest Jane Finette educates us on why our inner voice is more prone to focus on the negative instead of the positive, and how becoming more aware of your inner critic can help you unlock your full potential.
Guest Pascal Finette encourages us to consider how technology could actually be our most powerful tool for solving the world’s problems.
“When you stand tall, you don’t think small.” Guest Steve Bollar shares his personal struggles with growing tall, and how he came to learn that being different and standing out from the crowd could make him a better leader.
Mike advises that it’s OK to quit something if you decide that your time and energy are meant to do something better or something more you.
Guest Alicia Reisinger speaks on how our culture reinforces the idea that young women in particular have to cut each other down in order to succeed, and how collaboration can lead to better relationships and better results than competition.
Arctic explorer Ann Bancroft describes how empowerment can be viewed as a process in which we get stronger, one step at a time.
Mike offers advice to incoming freshmen on being yourself, developing healthy habits, and paying attention to the unsung heroes on your campus.
Consent between two people is complicated and is an ever-changing conversation. In this episode, a group of poets explores the ways in which consent isn’t what it may seem, but is a source and expression of strength.
Students demonstrate how privilege impacts many of our opportunities, and Mike urges us to have conversations about how those with more privilege can use it to help those with less privilege.
Mike suggests that event organizers keep their focus on the intent behind their event — and to measure their success not upon attendance, but upon whether or not their attendees were impacted in the way that they intended.
Mike and guest Tom Cody challenge gossipers to examine why they gossip and offer tips on how to redirect their energy into being more positive contributors to society.
We all have control over the tone of our posts and what shows up in our social media feeds, and this episode describes positive ways we can utilize social media to help avoid drama and celebrate all the great things that people are doing.
Spending time reflecting can be scary, but it’s critical to gaining insights about ourselves and others. Mike shares how reflecting on his setbacks and successes has made him a better boss, coworker, and leader.
Confidence can be described as making the most of momentum, allowing small victories to build on one another, and then leaning into your moments of success so you can share that confidence with others.
Mike explores what living and leading by example means, and how leadership is contagious and can change the culture of a school.
Mike challenges us to spend more time thinking about the things that matter to us, and to really question why we make the excuses we do.
Mike highlights that we all share a responsibility to create positive school spirit and community in our schools, and we do that when we start celebrating each other.
Mike suggests asking others for help in a way that shows them how much you respect their time and their contributions, and emphasizes how important it is to offer something before you ask for something.
Mike talks to blogger and author Alexa Glazer about how she made the decision to stop wishing and talking about her dream, and what it took for her to start doing it.
Jealousy and comparison are poisons that hinder us from focusing on improving ourselves and our own lives. On the season five finale of The Harbor by…
Communication is an important life skill and one that’s integral to being an effective leader. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike gives some…
Learning how to pivot is essential to navigating setbacks and failures, but being able to change directions on a moment’s notice requires that you know your…
There’s a sense of safety and comfort in looking and acting the same way as everyone else, but if we’re to figure out who we actually…
It’s easy to focus on the problems in our lives, but reframing our perspective to focus more on the solutions can help us achieve greatness. In…
Mike believes that the hardest part of starting anything is getting through the first 10%. The first 10% is often difficult, lonely, and more work than…
Having computers in our pockets can connect us to the world in unprecedented ways, but it can also leave us in a constant state of distraction.…
Mike firmly believes that true adventure begins when things don’t go according to plan, and moreover, that we learn who we are and what we care…
Mike sees perspective as a soft skill that can be practiced and developed — and one that’s essential to becoming a good leader and accomplishing your…
Often times, we base our identity upon the groups we associate with or the activities we participate in. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens,…
People turn to substances like drugs or alcohol for numerous reasons, such as dealing with trauma or feeling a general detachment to the world around them.…
It’s easy to declare a big goal for the future. It’s much harder to work backwards from said goal by establishing smaller goals to ensure progress…
In episode two of our series around the 2018 Jostens Renaissance National Conference, Mike brings three students onstage to field their questions and give advice on…
At the 2018 Jostens Renaissance National Conference, Mike addressed hundreds of student leaders and leadership educators on how leadership is a lifestyle. In part one of…
We’re all faced with challenges every day, but it’s up to each one of us to decide how we’re going to approach those challenges. On this…
Many of us are reluctant to talk about managing our money, so it can be difficult to learn how to make wise decisions when it comes…
Young people tend to power through their classes, homework, and extracurriculars non-stop every day without ever pausing to ask themselves how they feel. Small changes to…
We constantly urge young people to follow their passions, but many times, it can be difficult for them to find out what those passions are. On…
When Mike spoke with Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient Leroy Petry about the meaning of courage, he learned that heroes are all around us, putting other people first for the right reasons — not for recognition.
Graduation is one of the biggest events of our lives and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to achieve it. On this episode…
Through the Internet and social media, it’s easy for anyone to share their opinion, but sometimes, it’s not as easy to listen. Having a dialogue rather…
We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but learning how to manage that time effectively can make all the difference when it comes…
In a recent poll on his social media, Mike learned that over 60% of his followers believe they’re capable of making a real difference in the…
Everyone who works in a school puts countless time and energy towards helping students get to the finish line. Establishing traditions to show gratitude to these…
Networking today isn’t about who you know, it’s about who you’re known as. Seven out of ten career opportunities come from word of mouth referrals, so…
Who do you want to be when you grow up? Mike believes that answering this question should come before we decide what we want to be…
Have you ever asked yourself why you do the things you do? What factors guide your decision-making, and ultimately, how you live your life? Rather than…
Leadership isn’t a title; it’s not a class; and it’s certainly not what you tell everyone you are. Leadership is a mentality and an attitude that…
Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk joins us to talk about his experience in high school, how excelling at his sport brought him unexpected fame, and the importance of humility.
My Name My Story is an organization that develops changemakers based on the belief that stories inspire empathy and that empathy drives change. Founder Amit Dodani…
Many students believe they have to have their entire future mapped out before they graduate high school. While having a plan laid out can be exciting,…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Demir Gjokaj returns after Mike took his Lifehack Bootcamp. They talk about Mike’s struggles to change his habits,…
Managing finances is hard for everyone and especially for teenagers just joining the workforce. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Certified Financial Planner Scott…
People respond to failure in different ways. Typically, people let it stop them, define them, or drive them. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike…
Demir Gjokaj is the founder of Lifehack Bootcamp, where he and his wife teach people how to arrange their daily to-do list in an optimal way…
Jared Leaf was a great student athlete whose dreams were knocked off track when his college apartment started on fire. On this episode of The Harbor by…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Superbowl 50 MVP Von Miller joins Mike to talk about his high school career, playing football, and the importance…
Note: This episode contains in-depth and personal stories of teens dealing with intolerance. It is intended for mature audiences. In what feels like a divided world,…
Many young people fall victim to comparing their abilities to that of professionals and become frustrated. It takes time and hard work before anyone can get…
When Winona Guo and Priya Vulchi were sophomores in high school, they didn’t feel there were enough conversations in the classroom about race. To address this…
In 2016 Hannah Huston was a finalist on reality TV show, “The Voice,” but before that, she was a pre-school teacher. On this episode of The…
For many of us, high school is when we experience our first romantic relationship. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike visits with students about…
Us The Duo, The husband-and-wife musical team of Michael and Carissa Alvarado, found massive success through social media. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike…
Mike challenged students across the country to take a 30 day digital detox from social media. In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, we hear…
In 2016, Danny Salazar won the Jostens Project Yearbook category in the All American High School Film Festival for his film “Part of Eternity.” On this episode…
Claire Wineland’s YouTube channel helps teach people about the realities of illness and death. Living with cystic fibrosis herself, 20 year-old Claire serves as a powerful…
Whether it’s homework, AP classes, athletics, or extracurricular activities, students today are busier than ever. When you add in what’s happening at home, stress and pressure…
Darius Glover was in a motocross accident that left him paralyzed when he was 15. As soon as he got out of the hospital, he got…
Trevor Jacob is a multi-talented action sports athlete, entrepreneur, and Olympian. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike talks with Trevor about bravery, time management,…
Having goals and dreams is common, but being fully ready for your moment when the opportunity arises is not. On this episode of The Harbor by…
In conjunction with the end of Mental Illness Awareness Week, Mike sits down with writer, speaker, author, and mental health and wellness advocate, Ross Szabo. On…
Mike talks with students about their experiences with subtweeting, trolling, the bystander effect, and the tragic consequences bullying can have on a student.
Johan Khalilian is a speaker, author, actor, and content creator. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Johan shares the story of when he gave…
As a college student, Alysia Kezerian had a hiking accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens,…
Chad Greenway is a former NFL linebacker who is known for his incredible work ethic both on and off the field, as well as for giving…
Some students know what they want to do and where they want to go, but they just don’t know how to start. In this episode of…
On the final episode of this season of The Harbor by Jostens, we give a sneak peek into our new episode format coming next school year,…
It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating busyness to being on your way to success. Without focus in our daily routines, it’s easy for…
The need for instant gratification is growing in our society. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, speaker Aaron Davis shares the importance of learning the…
Failure is inevitably a part of everyone’s life. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, we hear students’ perspectives on failure and their fear of…
”Teachers are people too.” On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, educators from across the country sit on the crate to give their perspectives on…
On this week’s episode of The Harbor by Jostens, lifestyle coach and blogger, Erin Stanczyk, shares how three simple, daily actions can affect our health and…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, professional wakeboarder Alexa Score shares what it’s like to live with cancer and still live out your dreams.
If you won the lottery and never had to work another day in your life, what would you spend your days doing? On this week’s episode…
Insecurities affect us all. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, dozens of high school students give us their perspectives on their insecurities and how they…
On this week’s installment of The Harbor by Jostens, members of the non-profit organization S.A.V.E. (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education) tell us how to recognize the…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Sarah Edwards, Founder of the organization I AM, shares how one small act of kindness can change a…
Carlos Navarro immigrated from Cuba to the United States. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Carlos describes the culture shock and struggles of coming…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike delves into the topic of leadership. In particular, he focuses on how leaders’ actions — or inaction…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, professional surfer and Roxy model, Kelia Moniz, shows that confidence and true beauty are found only when we learn…
Gossip, drama, and rumors are problems that never really go away. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, we hear students’ thoughts on gossip. Also,…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Danny Evans, Vice President of Marketing for Ethika, discusses peer pressure. He points out that being comfortable with yourself…
On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike discusses a topic that studies have shown to be one of the most important factors in reaching our…
Though a survivor of the tragic Columbine High School shootings, the trauma Austin Eubanks experienced led him down a path of substance abuse and addiction. On…
A common question among student leaders is, “How do we increase school spirit?” On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike shares how his college…
Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playing field, or in the career field, life is full of competition. On this episode of The Harbor by…
We’ve all had experiences with bullying. In this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Mike and students from across the country recount how bullying has affected…
The future of our country is dependent on how well we — and especially young people — exercise our civic duties. On this episode of The…
Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jordin Sparks shares the emotional story of how her campaign, “I’m M.A.D. (Making A Difference), are you?” was started.
Social media has changed the way we look at the world and has done incredibly positive things, but we all know social media can also take…
It’s easy for teens and adults alike to struggle with body image. On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, Paralympic athlete Lacey Henderson talks about how…
Mike challenges students to ask themselves tough questions and examine where their biases come from so that we can understand that while it’s okay to disagree with someone, it’s never okay to disrespect.
Country music singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini talks about the importance of individuality.
Mike shares his realization that learning to forgive and asking for forgiveness are signs of strength and maturity.
Mike recognizes that being aware of the needs of the community is everyone’s responsibility.
Former professional snowboarder Kevin Pearce shows his resilience as he recovers from a traumatic head injury.
Mike talks about the importance of service, and distinguishes between volunteering and being “voluntold.”
A high school student shares the pressure he had to pursue athletics and his decision to work toward his true passion: leadership.
Mike challenges students not to go into cruise control at the end of the school year, but to remember they have a limited amount of time to accomplish their goals.
Veronica Tolentino reveals her story of being in an unhealthy relationship and reminds everyone that they deserve to be treated with love and respect.
Ejay O’Donnell, Vice President of diecutstickers.com, reminds us that life is fragile and hopes that we focus on how we treat others – as humans, not robots.
Mike encourages students to define themselves rather than allow media, family, and peer expectations to control their choices.
Brent Camalich, CEO of DUDE. be nice, talks about the importance and power of kindness.
Nikki, the Outreach Director at The Bay, talks about the power of hope for everyone.
Mike describes some of the pressures to fit in and urges students to be true to themselves.
Motivational speaker Aaron Davis shares some of his experiences with intolerance and offers suggestions on how to talk about tolerance and diversity.
Mike talks about the importance of mentorship and how to be a good mentee.
Kat Harris, a fashion photographer and blogger, reflects on how true beauty is about much more than looks.
JR Galardi, Chief Visionary Officer of Wienerschnitzel, shares how the loss of his father changed the trajectory of his life.
Mike tells the story of how he befriended a boy named Calvin, an “invisible” student who ultimately shaped Mike into the person he is today.
Recent high school grad and slap poet Riley Westerholt paints a hopeful picture of the current high school generation.
Musician and actor Quincy Brown discusses the importance of working hard to achieve success, and stresses that greatness is not simply handed to anyone.
Mike emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear in order to fully pursue a passion.
Educator Matt Soeth, co-creator of #icanhelp, gives tips on how to take control of social media and turn it into a positive environment.
Professional skier Michelle Parker shares her story of success as a female athlete in a male-dominated sport.
A call to students to be present with people and take time away from their devices.
Professional skateboarder Ryan Sheckler talks about the struggle of going through his parents’ divorce.
Mike offers pointers on how to handle one of the greatest challenges for students: time management.
Tips on navigating high school from students who recently graduated.
A lesson on defining yourself through life experiences rather than the things you own.
Mike poses the question, “What legacy do you want to leave behind?”
“When you stand tall, you don’t think small.” On this episode of The Harbor by Jostens, guest Steve Bollar shares his personal struggles with growing tall,…
The Dingo is an action sports personality who dreamed of becoming a pro athlete. When he realized that his dream was not realistic, he persevered and used his failures as a platform to achieve success.
Photographer Steve Rosenfield shares his journey culminating in the “What I Be Project,” a platform which encourages others to share their insecurity with the world.
Tommy Reynolds lost everything with the market crashed. It took hitting rock bottom for him to find his passion, and it took years of hard work with little return before he achieved his dream.
Youth mentor Brent Aragon believes that in order to change the world, you must first change your world, namely how you view yourself and those around you.
Photographer Quang Le describes how expressing his creativity through photography helped him channel his social anxiety.
Fitness professional Jen Aragon shares her journey toward feeling comfortable with her body and appearance, and the importance of spiritual and mental health in being able to truly love herself.
Youth motivational speaker Scott Backovich inspires viewers to “complain less, give more” and think about what they have to give back to others.
After losing several relatives to cancer in a six-month period, Rob Dyer took it upon himself to make a change. He started Skate4Cancer, which has raised millions of dollars for cancer hospitals and charities.
Azie Tesfai achieved her dream of becoming an actress, but still felt unfulfilled. It was only when she learned about the needs of a school in her family’s home country that she realized her greater purpose.
Motivational speaker Aaron Davis outlines three important choices we have in our lives and how our responses to these choices will determine our path toward success.
Musician Davey Muise shares the story of where he came from, and why he has dedicated his life to helping people “find their shovel” to dig out from their hardships.
Mike describes the difference between the people who are critical of everyone around them and the people who create positivity wherever they go.
The way we talk to ourselves can greatly affect our mood, our behavior, and our day-to-day life. In this episode, Mike challenges students to think about how they talk to themselves.
Student Kyler Erickson shares how he reacted after living through a shooting at his high school and what he had to do in order to overcome his post-traumatic stress.
The incredible success story of Kevin Laue, a former Division I basketball player who didn’t let being born with one arm stop him from pursuing his dreams.
Mike discusses his views on success and what we can do to get one step closer to fulfilling our dreams.
Mike takes on the topic of distractions, namely those brought on by smart devices and social media, and recommends taking a “digital detox.”
Mike talks about how he founded his non-profit Skate For Change, its growth into a worldwide movement, and how youth can give their passions a greater purpose.
Professional snowboarder Pat Moore explains how he dealt with severe social anxiety both during and after high school.
Mike describes how judgement and prejudice impact people, both in and outside of the classroom, and how students can help resolve this problem in their schools.