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
Dec. 13, 2025
Episode 71 | HOPE-Fueled Leadership: How to Thrive Without Sacrificing Yourself with Carman Murray
In this episode, we’re honored to be joined by Carman Murray —speaker, coach, and author who helps educators reconnect with what matters most without sacrificing themselves in the process. With over 20 years in education, inc...
Dec. 10, 2025
Episode 70 |Finding Purpose Through Pain: The Brave Way Home with Ben & Crystal Woods
In this powerful episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. Podcast , host Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with Ben and Crystal Woods, founders of The Brave Way Home and leaders of the Look Out for the Left Out (LOFTLO) movement. For more ...
Dec. 6, 2025
Episode 69 | The Solo Spark: Why You Can't Do This Alone
In this special solo episode, Dr. Brandi Kelly offers a timely, heartfelt reflection on community, self-awareness, and the transformative power of HOPE as we close out the year. Tying into the December theme of “You Can’t Do ...
Nov. 29, 2025
Episode 68: Macoupin CEO Program | The Power of Mentors and Coaches with Tommy Campbell
Welcome to Lead with Hope! In this episode of Lead with Hope , Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with Tommy Campbell , 2025 Macoupin CEO Alum, to explore how mentors and coaches shape young leaders. Tommy shares what he learned from...
Nov. 22, 2025
🎙️ Episode 67 | Building Relationships & Leadership Through the CEO Program with Jack Kessinger
In this episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , Brandi Kelly sits down with Jack Kessinger to explore the power of relationships, networking, and leadership development through the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program...
Nov. 15, 2025
Episode 66 | Macoupin County CEO Program with Macie Wright
In this episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. Podcast , host Brandi Kelly, Ed.D., LCSW sits down with Macie Wright , a 2025 graduate of Gillespie High School and current Millikin University student studying art therapy. Macie is ...
Nov. 9, 2025
Episode 65 | From the Classroom to Corporate Impact with Cheryl Mitchell
✨ In this inspiring episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. Podcast , host Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with Cheryl Mitchell—a former educator, corporate trainer, keynote speaker, and author—whose story reminds us that purpose often ...
Nov. 1, 2025
🎙️ November CEO Spotlight | Lead with H.O.P.E. Podcast Episode 64
This month, we’re shining a light on the incredible Macoupin County CEO Program — a transformative experience preparing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs! 🌟 In today’s episode, I’m joined by current students...
Oct. 25, 2025
Episode 63 | Teaching, Parenting & Beating Burnout with Erin Shook
In this episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , Brandi sits down with Erin Shook , a passionate high school teacher and mom of four, who is redefining what it means to thrive as both an educator and a parent. With more than 17 years ...
Oct. 18, 2025
Episode 62 | How Love, and a Little Ruckus, Can Transform School with Danny Bauer
In this episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, we welcome Danny Bauer , a true “Ruckus Maker” who challenges traditional education and inspires leaders to create schools worth showing up for. We dive into leading with lov...
Oct. 11, 2025
The Value of Teacher Leadership with Dr. Chris Jochum | Reignite Your Passion & Lead with H.O.P.E.
Are you an educator feeling exhausted and questioning your future? In this episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, we're joined by Dr. Chris Jochum, author of "The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadershi...
Oct. 4, 2025
🎙️ Episode 60 | Blessings and Lessons in Leadership – My Dad’s Legacy
In this deeply personal episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , Brandi Kelly reflects on her father’s life and the lasting leadership lessons left behind. Through stories of warmth, humor, resilience, and quiet strength, Brandi share...
Sept. 27, 2025
Real Talk on Resilience, Joy, and the Heart of Education with Gerrie Spellman
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, we sit down with educator, leader, and podcaster Gerrie Spellmann —co-host of Love, Sweat, and Tears —to explore what it truly means to lead with heart...
Sept. 20, 2025
Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? | William D. Parker on Purposeful Leadership |Episode 56
In this empowering episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, I sit down with William D. Parker —executive coach, educator, speaker, and founder of Principal Matters, LLC . With decades of experience as an award-winning teach...
Sept. 13, 2025
Vision Beyond Sight: Leading with Purpose Through Adversity
In this inspiring episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, we’re joined by Kijuan Amey, founder and CEO of Amey Motivation, U.S. Air Force veteran, and motivational speaker. After a life-altering motorcycle accident left hi...
Sept. 6, 2025
My Story of HOPE in Action: Leading Through Life’s Challenges
In this special solo episode of the Lead with HOPE podcast, Brandi Kelly shares her personal journey of loss, resilience, and purpose. From the tragic loss of her brother Brandon to over 20 years as an educator and school lea...
Aug. 30, 2025
Empowering Educators with Purpose: A Conversation with Gretchen Bridgers - Episode 55
In this inspiring episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast , Brandi Kelly sits down with Gretchen Bridgers—educator, coach, speaker, and founder of Always A Lesson. With over two decades of experience empowering teachers and tra...
Aug. 23, 2025
Wellness, Wisdom, and the Work That Matters: A Conversation with Amanda Younts-Episode 54
In this inspiring episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly welcomes Amanda Younts , leadership and personal growth expert known as The Midlife Catalyst . With over two decades of experience in education, ps...
Aug. 16, 2025
Women Who Lead with H.O.P.E.: Fierce, Fab, and Unstoppable in Education - Episode 53
In this empowering episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , host Brandi Kelly sits down with two trailblazing women in education— Dr. Courtney Orzel , Superintendent of Lemont, IL, and Dr. Kate Koch , Assistant Superintendent of Human...
Aug. 9, 2025
Struggling Uphill? Leadership Lessons from a Weekend Bike Ride | Episode 52
Have you ever learned a leadership lesson in the most unexpected place? In this episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , Brandi Kelly shares how a simple weekend bike ride with family turned into three powerful insights for school and...
Aug. 2, 2025
The Magic Formula for Human Flourishing with Christian Ray Flores - Episode 51
Welcome to Lead with HOPE , the podcast where we explore leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven living. I’m your host, Brandi Kelly—and today’s guest truly embodies what it means to flourish through adversity. Christian R...
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