Episodes
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 . ...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...