Seven years ago today, a lifelong dream came true—I became a published author.

The Pepper Effect was more than a book. It was a love letter to The Beatles, to education, and to believing in the impossible. I’ll never forget the moving moments that surrounded its publication:
— My daughter Maddie finding my book on the shelf at Barnes & Noble—the first time I ever saw it in a bookstore.
— Hugging my parents and seeing the joy and pride on their faces when I handed them their copy.
— My true Fab Four—my wife and daughters—by my side at my first book signing at Underdog Records.
— Watching a stage adaptation of The Pepper Effect performed at a school in Canada.

I’m forever grateful for those moments and for every reader who took the time to read the book, share it, and apply its message in classrooms and schools around the world. If you haven’t read it yet, it’s available here: Order on Amazon.

Today, something serendipitous happened. On the book birthday of The Pepper Effect, I released a new episode of the #PrincipalLinerNotes podcast—featuring none other than Dave Burgess, the publisher who believed in me and gave my book its wings.

Our conversation is a celebration of creativity, connection, and passion for education. It’s also the beginning of a short summer season of the podcast, where I’ll be amplifying the voices of those who continue to inspire and lead.

🎧 Listen here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3wUE2MTDzX7vcBnJ9T2yP8?si=yUDdid98TJ6NP7Q5FjZyyQ
YouTube: https://youtu.be/BxYkq96GBUs

I’m currently working on another book—fingers crossed that it gets the nod for publication. Until then, thank you for being in the band. Your encouragement, listens, reads, and reflections mean more than I can ever express.

Feel free to drop me a line at sean@seangaillard.com to share your thoughts on the podcast, the blog, or The Pepper Effect. I’d love to connect.

Let’s keep riffing.
—Sean