Episodes

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 and Juggling the Job. With more than 30 years of experience as a principal, deputy superintendent, and leadership mentor, Dr. Thornell shares powerful insights on what it takes to thrive in school leadership today. Together, Brandi and Rob dive into: 📘 The 5 keys for effecti...

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 shares his powerful insights on how storytelling builds trust, how adversity fuels resilience, and how hope and purpose drive meaningful leadership. Together, Brandi and Craig explore what it means to lead with authenticity, connect communities through communication, and keep pu...

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 becoming certified teachers, but cost, time, and access often stand in the way. Gracelyn University is changing that. In today’s episode, we talk with Dr. Matthew Flippen, Founder and President of Gracelyn University—an accredited, affordable online institution built specificall...

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 strong teams, and lead with clarity and confidence. She shares her insights on navigating the "wilderness of leadership," offering practical strategies and mindset shifts to move from survival mode to intentional leadership. Learn more about Bethany Rees at leadershipontheroc...

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 Women podcast. After 15 years in Corporate America, Amy’s life shifted in 2020 when she was laid off. What followed was a “wilderness season” marked by illness, financial hardship, and uncertainty. But through it all, God led her into a deeper faith—teaching her how to renew her...

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, including 15 years in the classroom, Carman brings the heart of a teacher and the insight of a coach. From her early days in a Grade 1/2 split class to her years inspiring middle school students through foods, leadership, and student leadership conferences, Carman believes that ...

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 than 25 years, Ben and Crystal have served in vocational ministry—touring musically, mentoring young adults, and leading campus and community ministries. But their most profound ministry was born out of deep grief and unshakable faith. Through their story, listeners will dis...

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 This Alone,” Brandi explores why leaders often carry emotional weight differently—and why tending to your own mental well-being isn't a luxury, but a leadership necessity built on strong support systems.She shares lessons from recent guest conversations, including powerful i...

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. Jack shares his unique experiences as a student leader, reflecting on how the program shaped his mindset, confidence, and ability to connect with others. Together, Brandi and Jack discuss: 🚀 How the CEO program builds leadership and entrepreneurial skills in students. 🤝 ...

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 also the founder of Coloring the County Coloring Books, a creative business that blends history, community, and art to inspire learners of all ages. Together, Brandi and Macie dive into the lessons learned through the CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) Program, the ...

✨ 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 grows from unexpected transitions. Cheryl shares her journey from being a first-grade teacher to leading in the corporate and consulting world, revealing how mindset, resilience, and faith have guided her path. Together, Brandi and Cheryl explore what it means to live a life...

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 love, reimagining education, and fostering environments where students, teachers, and leaders thrive. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for doing school differently—and join our mission to share hope in education. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with a ...

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 Leadership" and the upcoming "You Don't Have to Leave to Lead: A Practical Guide to Teacher Leadership." Discover how to reignite your passion, build healthy organizational cultures, and rediscover joy in your daily work. Dr. Jochum shares insights on leadership as influence through ...

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 in the midst of challenge. With decades of experience in education, Gerrie brings grounded wisdom, unfiltered honesty, and a deep passion for reconnecting to joy and purpose. From stories of faith over fear to moments of vulnerability and laughter, this conversation is a lif...

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 teacher and principal, Will shares practical strategies for leading with Habits, Optimism, Purpose, and Excellence in today's rapidly changing education landscape. 🎧 Tune in as we discuss: ✅ Why educators need to stop waiting for permission to lead boldly ✅ How to build intentiona...

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 him blind in 2017, Kijuan refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he chose to lead with purpose, resilience, and vision. Through his work with the Blinded Veterans Association and the Air Force Wounded Warrior Program, Kijuan empowers others to transform pain into purpo...

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 leader, Brandi reveals how she discovered the true power of HOPE—Habits, an Optimistic Outlook, Purpose, and Excellence—in both life and leadership. Listeners will learn practical strategies for leading with HOPE using Brandi’s H.O.P.E. Cycle - Assess → Envision → Focus → Meas...

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 transforming classrooms, Gretchen shares her journey from the classroom to coaching, the pivotal moments that shaped her mission, and how she continues to uplift educators through her podcast, courses, and coaching. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or lifelong learner, this co...

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, psychology, and advocacy, Amanda shares her deeply personal journey of transitioning from a career in education to becoming a sought-after speaker, coach, and wellness advocate. Amanda opens up about how her parents’ illnesses sparked a shift in perspective—leading her to reeva...

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 Resources. Both are educators, speakers, authors, and authentic leaders dedicated to building people-centered school cultures that thrive on trust, belonging, and psychological safety. If you're a leader, aspiring leader, or educator seeking inspiration, this episode is packed...

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 Ray Flores is an entrepreneur, evangelist, international pop star, and philanthropist. Born into political exile and shaped by a global upbringing, Christian has lived an extraordinary life—from music stages to mission-driven startups, and now as founder of the Xponential net...

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 attending the SEL Summit four years ago, a time when he was navigating challenges and considering a change in his profession. Together, Brandi and Kevin discuss the importance of social-emotional learning in schools, how community and connection can be lifelines in difficult se...

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 decade of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Culver shares how the Science of Kindness is reshaping schools and organizations across the country. As a Gen Z/Alpha expert, he offers powerful insight into how to build inclusive cultures where everyone feels seen, heard, ...

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 last week’s interview with Glenn Forbes and Jenni Donohoo, we dive into what the research says (including insights from John Hattie’s research) and why setting mastery goals fuels agency, resilience, and hope. You'll learn: ✔️ What mastery goals are and why they are important...