Episodes

Episode 63 | Teaching, Parenting & Beating Burnout with Erin Shook
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 ...
Episode 62 | How Love, and a Little Ruckus, Can Transform School with Danny Bauer
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...
The Value of Teacher Leadership with Dr. Chris Jochum | Reignite Your Passion & Lead with H.O.P.E.
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...
🎙️ Episode 60 | Blessings and Lessons in Leadership – My Dad’s Legacy
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...
Real Talk on Resilience, Joy, and the Heart of Education with Gerrie Spellman
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...
Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? | William D. Parker on Purposeful Leadership |Episode 56
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...
Vision Beyond Sight: Leading with Purpose Through Adversity
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...
My Story of HOPE in Action: Leading Through Life’s Challenges
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...
Empowering Educators with Purpose: A Conversation with Gretchen Bridgers - Episode 55
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...
Wellness, Wisdom, and the Work That Matters: A Conversation with Amanda Younts-Episode 54
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...
Women Who Lead with H.O.P.E.: Fierce, Fab, and Unstoppable in Education - Episode 53
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...
Struggling Uphill? Leadership Lessons from a Weekend Bike Ride | Episode 52
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...
The Magic Formula for Human Flourishing with Christian Ray Flores - Episode 51
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...
🎙 HOPE in the Hard Places with Kevin McNicholas - Epidsode 50
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...
Be the Light: Spreading Kindness with Dr. Christopher Culver - Episode 49
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...
Episode 48: Mastery Goals — The Path to Growth, Agency & Hope
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...
Collective Impact with Jenni Donohoo and Glenn Forbes - Episode 47
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...
Episode 46: What’s Giving Me Hope Right Now — The Restore Network
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,...
Bring Back Joy to Learning with Michael D. Toth Episode 45
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...
🎙️ Why I Founded Spark HOPE Edu | Lead with HOPE Podcast Episode 44
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...
Embracing H.O.P.E. and Vulnerabilty with Amy P. Kelly Episode 43
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 ...
Lead with Clarity with Casey Watts, Episode 42
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...
Happiness Habits with Kim Strobel Episode 41
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...
Bonus Episode: A Gift of Hope – Honoring Bub’s Legacy with Mistie Adermann
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...