Episodes

Episode Summary In this episode of Lead with Hope , Dr. Kristen Weikle shares insights from her 30-year career in education, including her experiences as a teacher, principal, and superintendent. She reflects on the importanc...

What can a children’s book teach us about leadership, culture, and hope? In this episode, host Dr. Brandi Kelly shares the inspiration behind her new children’s book Spreading Sunshine with Kindness and explores the powerful ...

In this episode of Lead with Hope , Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with educational leader Toby Travis to explore one essential truth: trust is the foundation of effective leadership in education . If you care about trust, leader...

In this episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast , Dr. Brandi Kelly tackles one of the most common leadership and personal development struggles: how to build habits when you’re overwhelmed . If you’ve ever tried to start a new ...

In this inspiring episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , I sit down with Rob Scheer , founder of Comfort Cases , to discuss his incredible journey from a child in the foster care system to a successful businessman and social impact ...

In this episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast , host Dr. Brandi Kelly explores the profound impact of love and hope in leadership . As Valentine’s Day approaches, Brandi shares personal reflections and leadership insights...

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast , Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with Shellee Howard , founder of College Ready , mother of four, and champion for student empowerment. Shellee shares how her personal journey navigat...

Are you a leader feeling the stress? Join us as we talk with Dan Stecken , a superintendent, former varsity head coach, and founder of the Stressed Leaders Retreat . Dan shares his unique approach to wellness and vulnerabilit...

A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at https://www.conversaripress.com In this empowering episode of Lead with HOPE , we give you a sneak peek of the f...

🤝 Legacy Sponsor This episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast is proudly supported by our Legacy Sponsor, Conversari - ⁠ https://www.conversaripress.com/ What happens when strong, capable leaders reach the end of what an unsust...

In this episode of the Lead with Hope podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly discusses the challenges of leadership, particularly in the context of burnout and emotional exhaustion . She shares her personal journey of feeling depleted whi...

In this episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , Brandi Kelly welcomes Dr. Robert Thornell, Ed.D. —a veteran educator, school leadership coach with The Center for Model Schools , and bestselling author of Inside the Principal’s Office...

CEO of Journey12 —an organization dedicated to helping schools, especially in rural America, reclaim their narratives and strengthen community connections through authentic storytelling and strategic communication. Craig shar...

There are more than 1.2 million paraprofessionals working in schools across the United States—supporting instruction, building relationships with students, and keeping classrooms running every day. Many of them dream of becom...

In this episode of Lead with HOPE, Dr. Brandi Kelly interviews Bethany Rees, an experienced educator, administrator, and leadership coach. Bethany, author of Leadership on the Rocks , helps leaders simplify complexity, build ...

What if your breaking point was actually your launching point? In this episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , host Brandi Kelly sits down with Amy Wadlington , author, speaker, and host of the Prophetic Breakthrough for Christian Wo...

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 ...

✨ 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 ...

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...