Lead with HOPE Podcast

Lead with Hope Podcast is dedicated to educators who need a little hope and inspiration! Brandi Kelly, Superintendent of Mt. Olive CUSD #5, is the host. Leading with hope is an intentional practice requiring self reflection and self awareness. Check out my website at leadwithhope.net . This bi weekly podcast will inspire and empower you to Lead with HOPE!

Recent Episodes

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July 26, 2025

🎙 HOPE in the Hard Places with Kevin McNicholas - Epidsode 50

In this powerful episode of Lead with HOPE , Brandi Kelly sits down with Kevin McNicholas to reflect on the ROE #40 SEL Summit and explore what it means to find HOPE in the hard places . Kevin opens up about his experience at...

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July 19, 2025

Be the Light: Spreading Kindness with Dr. Christopher Culver - Episode 49

In this inspiring episode, Brandi sits down with Chris Culver—educator, thought leader, and founder of Orange Sparrow—to explore the transformative power of kindness in leadership, education, and everyday life. With over a de...

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July 11, 2025

Episode 48: Mastery Goals — The Path to Growth, Agency & Hope

Ready to build a life that’s rooted in purpose—not pressure? In this episode of Lead With Hope , we explore the power of mastery goals : goals that focus on growth over perfection, and progress over comparison. Inspired by la...

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July 5, 2025

Collective Impact with Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes - Episode 47

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, we’re joined by two distinguished educators and thought leaders—Dr. Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes. Today, they will share about their new book - Collective Impact: Overcoming th...

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June 28, 2025

Episode 46: What’s Giving Me Hope Right Now — The Restore Network

In this episode, I’m sharing something close to my heart and a major source of hope for the future: The Restore Network . This incredible organization is doing transformative work in the foster care system, providing support,...

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June 21, 2025

Bring Back Joy to Learning with Michael D. Toth Episode 45

Today on Lead with HOPE , I'm joined by Michael D. Toth — founder and CEO of Instructional Empowerment, acclaimed author, and visionary thought leader in education. With more than 25 years of experience, Michael has partnered...

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June 14, 2025

🎙️ Why I Founded Spark HOPE Edu | Lead with HOPE Podcast Episode 44

In this powerful episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast , I’m opening up about the heart, the journey, and the mission behind Spark HOPE Edu — a mission and movement rooted in healing, purpose, and community. 🌱✨ This isn’t jus...

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June 7, 2025

Embracing H.O.P.E. and Vulnerabilty with Amy P. Kelly Episode 43

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast, I sit down with Amy P. Kelly, a best-selling author, keynote speaker, executive coach, and performance consultant, to explore the powerful role of HOPE in leadership. Amy shares ...

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May 24, 2025

Lead with Clarity with Casey Watts, Episode 42

Welcome back to Lead with Hope , the show where we ignite leadership with heart, purpose, and real results. I’m your host, Brandi Kelly—and today, we’re cutting through the noise and getting straight to what’s actually holdin...

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May 10, 2025

Happiness Habits with Kim Strobel Episode 41

In this episode of Lead with HOPE , we’re joined by Kim, a former teacher turned internationally-known motivational speaker, powerhouse, and leading happiness coach. Kim’s mission is to help others tap into their power and li...

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May 5, 2025

Bonus Episode: A Gift of Hope – Honoring Bub’s Legacy with Mistie Adermann

🎙️ Welcome to Lead with H.O.P.E. , where we explore stories of resilience, purpose, and leadership through the lens of our system of self-efficacy: H is for Habits , O is for Optimistic Outlook , P is for Purpose, Passion, Pe...

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April 26, 2025

Collaborative Response: Transforming Education with Kurtis Hewson Episode 39

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE podcast, Kurtis Hewson, an award-winning educator and co-author of Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin, 20...

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April 12, 2025

Collaborating to Build Capacity and Culture - Episode 38

In this episode, I sit down with Raul Gastón, the Principal of Gompers Junior High School in Joliet, IL, to discuss the powerful themes of building capacity , fostering collaboration , and shaping a positive school culture . ...

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March 29, 2025

The Power of Belonging with Sean Gaillard - Episode 37

On this episode of the Lead With HOPE Podcast , we're joined by Sean Gaillard , Principal of Charles England Elementary School in Lexington, NC, and a true champion of creativity, collaboration, and student success. In this i...

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March 15, 2025

Leading Culture and Innovation with PJ Caposey Episode 36

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Lead with HOPE podcast, where we dive deep into the leadership principles that drive success, growth, and lasting impact. Today, we have a special guest, PJ Caposey, a dynamic leader...

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March 1, 2025

Sustaining Excellence with Marty Silverman Episode 35

Welcome to another episode of the Lead with HOPE podcast, where we explore the mindsets, strategies, and stories behind success and leadership. Today, we're thrilled to have Martin Silverman as our guest, author of the highly...

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Feb. 15, 2025

Equity CHAMP, Charles Williams - Episode 34

Podcast Description: In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Charles Williams, founder of CW Consulting: Educational Services and the creator of #Educrew , to dive deep into the power of equity , the CHAMP framework, and ...

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Feb. 1, 2025

Spreading Light, Love, and Leadership with Lori Franke Hopkins-Episode 33

In this inspiring episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast , we are joined by Lori Franke Hopkins , an educator whose journey has spanned roles from teacher to principal , superintendent , and now consultant . With a wealth of e...

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Jan. 18, 2025

Trust Based Observations with Craig Randall - Episode 32

The Lead with HOPE podcast is thrilled to introduce Craig Randall , the developer and author of Trust-Based Observations (TBO) , a transformative system for improving teacher observations. Craig has dedicated his career to tr...

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Jan. 4, 2025

Finding Purpose in Middle School with Jacki Mjoen Episode 31

Today, we are honored to welcome Jacki Mjoen to the Lead with HOPE Podcast. Jacki is a 7th grade math teacher, Teach Better Team Ambassador, aspiring author, and brain cancer fighter!. She is serving courageously , and findi...

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Dec. 21, 2024