Empowered Learning Podcast

Gordon Duncan Summary: Andy and Gordon cover their experiences as teachers, reflecting on the complexities of teaching multiple grades in challenging environments. They emphasize the significance of understanding and accommodating diverse learning styles to facilitate student progress. The episode includes a compelling anecdote about a student who initially struggled in the classroom but thrived i...

Billy Akers Description: Billy shares insights into his early years, his journey from studying electrical engineering to his current semi-retired life, and his thoughts on communication skills in the digital age. The conversation also touches on the importance of discipline, high standards, and objective truths, as well as the impact of Billy’s time at the Virginia Military Institute and his respe...

Dr. Steve Huff Description: Join host, Andy Bennetts for a SPECIAL conversation with his long-time friend, mentor and previous boss, Dr. Steve Huff. The episode covers a wide range of topics, including Steve's career evolution, the use of training simulators, personal development for teens through a framework called Soul Map, and the value of savoring moments and finding joy in the process. The tw...

Amanda Robinson Description: The episode begins with Amanda sharing her journey into education, emphasizing the importance of connecting classroom learning to real-life applications and nurturing relationships with students. Andy commends her for deeply caring for students and raised the question of how to manage the delicate balance between caring for students and setting boundaries. Amanda delve...

Shayne Mims Description: Shayne and Andy engage in personal conversations about their life journeys, musical history, and experiences with setbacks and resilience. The conversation emphasizes the importance of humility, continuous learning, and personal growth in navigating life's challenges and serving others.  Shayne shares his experiences of facing setbacks, including a back injury during colle...

Tommi Sue Cox Summary: Join host Andy Bennetts with his special guest Tommi Sue Cox for a lighthearted and reflective conversation about their experiences in education and leadership. They discussed their backgrounds, challenges, and successes in Title I schools, emphasizing the need for qualified teachers and resources for students in high-poverty areas. They also highlighted the importance of di...

Dani Goeppert Summary: Dani speaks on her background, including her Canadian roots, life in Europe, and her journey as the CEO and founder of Risen Events. The conversation sets the stage for an engaging and informative podcast interview. Andy and Dani engage in a detailed exploration of virtual events and their variations. Dani emphasizes the significance of monetization and audience engagement i...

George Welsh Summary: George shares his personal and professional journey, highlighting his experiences as superintendent of schools in Center, Colorado, and his involvement in advocating for adequate funding in Colorado. He also discusses his current role at the Colorado Education Initiative and the Rural Superintendent’s Academy, which aims to provide well-prepared leaders for rural school syste...

Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews Description: Kelsey Elizabeth Matthews discusses her challenging upbringing, her resilience, and her journey to becoming an ordained chaplain in Nevada. She also shares her experiences with institutional abuse in healthcare, religious organizations, and academia, and the impact of her faith as a source of strength. Kelsey emphasizes the importance of servant leadership in...

LTC Robert F. Barrow Description: LTC (Ret) Robert Barrow and Andy Bennetts discussed various aspects of the JROTC program, including its expansion to include a middle school component, its commitment to STEM education and workforce development, and its impact on students' lives. They also touched on the challenges faced by students today and the role of JROTC in providing stability and reinforcin...

Dr. Scott Cooper Summary: Scott Cooper and Andy Bennetts discuss various topics related to education and leadership. They talk about the financial aspects of college education and career choices for their children, reflecting on their own experiences and the factors that influenced their decisions to pursue leadership roles. They also discuss innovative initiatives in education, such as live strea...

Check out this quick 1-min video looking back at the first 10 episodes of the Empowered Learning Podcast AND to see a sneak peak of some of the incredible guests in the queue! Thank you for your support!

Dale Yim Andy and Dale discuss a range of topics, including the significance of emotional intelligence and the need for men to expand their emotional spectrum. The two explore the role of a coach in fostering better conversations and guiding individuals towards their desired outcomes. The conversation also touches on the societal impact of emotional intelligence, with a focus on reducing frustrati...

Nikkie Handy Summary Nikkie Handy shares her personal story of facing discrimination from a teacher and how it shaped her understanding of minority and economically disadvantaged populations in education. She discussed how her own experiences have fueled her empathy in working with minority communities. Nikkie's personal story sheds light on the need for greater support and inclusivity in educatio...

Cris Baker Description: Andy Bennetts and Cris Baker talk about the impact of teachers on students and the transition from teaching to administration. Cris shares her experience of starting as a mentor teacher and eventually becoming a full-time mentor staff developer before realizing that administration wasn't for her. They also discuss the traits of ideal colleagues, the power of friendships, an...

Summary:                                                                                                         In this episode, Kristian shares insights into his upbringing, his innovative solutions in the AI space, and his thoughts on the future of work and education. He and Andy also discuss the features of smart systems, including EZ Messenger and a voice call AI system. The two also discusse...

Luke Tevebaugh Description: Luke discusses his career path from K-12 EdTech sales to commercial photography, his love for travel and adventure, and his passion for eGlass technology. The conversation also touches on Luke's personal life, including his relationship with his wife Lindsay and his admiration for her leadership qualities. The importance of building strong relationships with clients and...

Jeff Peterson Description:  Jeff briefly discusses his background in education and his appreciation for teachers and the calling it takes to be an effective educator. Jeff shares his thoughts on his father's motivations and encouraging them to become anything BUT teachers! He believes that his father's desire for an easier life for his children and more financial stability were the driving factors...

Andy Smith Description: During this episode, host Andy Bennetts, and his good friend Andy Smith discuss a range of topics, including teaching abroad, the value of education, travel, Innovative Education Global (IEG), and leadership. The conversation also highlights the potential for technology to connect people across borders and the importance of making teaching a more fulfilling and financially...

Daniel Archuleta Description: Daniel shares his personal background and mission to strive for equity and help underserved communities, which was reinforced by his father's dedication to learning and people. He talks about his career journey, including his work in education reform and strategic management, and how it allowed him to conceptualize an innovative way of managing declining enrollment in...

Johnathan Mayo Description: Johnathan shares his personal and professional background, discussing his mother's legacy as an educator and his career path in education and entrepreneurship. Andy & Johnathan also discuss the creation of Team Excel, a platform that uses competition and teamwork to motivate students to improve their academic performance. Johnathan shares the impact of the program o...

Episode 0 Join Andy for a fun preview of the Empowered Learning Podcast. In this bonus episode, you will learn: Who Andy is What the podcast is about Who guests will be Why you should listen What makes the Empowered Learning Podcast different The first THREE full episodes will be released on Jan 1, 2024!

Short Compilation Enjoy short clips from the upcoming Empowered Learning Podcast, hosted by Andy Bennetts launching Jan 1, 2024!

Podcast Trailer (Audio) The Empowered Learning Podcast ignites inspiration through insightful dialogues on education and leadership. Host Andy Bennetts engages notable educators, administrators, and thinkers in discussions that illuminate best practices, overcoming adversity, and the transformational power of lifelong learning. 

Podcast Trailer (Video) The Empowered Learning Podcast ignites inspiration through insightful dialogues on education and leadership. Host Andy Bennetts engages notable educators, administrators, and thinkers in discussions that illuminate best practices, overcoming adversity, and the transformational power of lifelong learning.