Joy Over Happiness

In this episode of JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Jen Pollock Michel, author of the upcoming A Rule for the Rest of Us , about how small, intentional practices can help us find joy in the ordinary rhythms of life. Jen shares why a "rule of life" isn't about perfection or productivity, but about creating habits that keep us rooted in what matters most. From navigating gr...

In this episode of JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Dr. Lindsay Whorton, President of the Holdsworth Center and author of A New School Leadership Architecture , about why the future of school leadership depends less on superheroes and more on sustainable systems. Drawing on her work with districts across Texas, Lindsay shares how schools can rethink leadership roles to better support...

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert has a conversation with Bryan Goodwin, Deputy Executive Director, McREL Institute at Region 13, about what joyful learning actually looks like in classrooms. Bryan explores why joy isn't the absence of struggle but often found in the process of learning, growing, and overcoming challenges. From the power of curiosity and collaborative inqui...

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Rev. Dr. David Kim, CEO and co-founder of  Goldenwood,  about AI and vocation. David's passion is to help people and organizations see the unseen realities that give rise to the world we create. David shares why the future will belong not just to efficiency, but to people who can cultivate curiosity, connection, and creativity in...

In this episode of JOY over Happiness, Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Darren Spyksma about what it really means to humanize education in a world that keeps pushing toward efficiency and shortcuts. Darren shares how the real work in schools isn’t fixing kids, it’s helping adults grow in how they show up for them. From turning conflict into an opportunity for deeper relationships to helping teachers and...

In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Sean Riley, who’s spent nearly two decades at The Stony Brook School and is now a leading AI expert, about what it looks like to navigate AI in education with wisdom and purpose. Sean shares his journey from a blue-collar upbringing into education and leadership, and how that formation shapes the way he approaches technology today....

In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Alison Sweeney, actress, director, and host known for her work on  Days of Our Lives ,  The Biggest Loser , and Hallmark films, about how she has learned to pursue joy both in Hollywood and at home. Alison shares what it’s looked like to grow up in the spotlight while building a family and staying grounded in what matters most. Fro...

In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with  Elaine Howard Ecklund , Professor of Sociology and Director of the Boniuk Institute for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance, about what it means to stay human in a world increasingly shaped by AI. Drawing on her research and conversations with students, Elaine shares why many young people are less worried about cheati...

In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with Nathan Bachman, a junior at Baylor, about what it’s actually like to be a student in the age of AI, where shortcuts are easy and the pressure to use them is real. Nathan talks through the tension students feel between doing the work and taking the shortcut, and the reality that there are two paths with AI. You can automate your lif...

Ron Ivey studies one of the quiet drivers behind many of today’s challenges for young people: loneliness. In this episode of JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with the Harvard Human Flourishing Program research fellow and founder of Noēsis Collaborative, an initiative launched in 2025 to build an ecosystem of leaders researching and shaping technologies that advance human flourishing, abou...

Chris Everett believes school improvement begins with people, not programs. In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with the former coach, principal, and current Chief Strategy Officer at engage2learn about why lasting change starts with teacher-student relationships, adult mindsets, and the courage to address adaptive challenges instead of chasing quick technical fixes. From...

Tige Watson has spent years leading students by starting with their story. In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Dr. Jon Eckert talks with the former deputy fire chief turned school leader about why understanding what’s beneath student behavior is often the most effective way to support growth, belonging, and joy. Tige shares how shifting from punishment to listening reshaped discipline, mentor...

Alison Smith has spent a decade leading Midway High School, and this year brought one of the biggest shifts yet: going phone-free. In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Jon Eckert talks with the veteran principal about what happens when schools remove phones and restore attention, connection, and calm. Alison shares how phone-free days have reshaped hallways, classrooms, and student well-being,...

Brad Livingstone has spent 35 years teaching history, but what he’s really been teaching is how joy is formed. In this episode of  JOY over Happiness , Jon Eckert talks with the legendary educator and Baylor University’s First Gent about gratitude, presence, and honoring others! From inviting veterans into his classroom to walking campus with his dog BU, Brad shows how joy grows when we choose to...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert is joined by Sahira Kodra, Krystle Moos, and Erik Ellefsen for a year in review conversation reflecting on the  Just Schools  podcast in 2025. Together, they look back on favorite episodes, memorable guests, and the relationships that have shaped the work over the past year.  They also share personal moments where struggle led to joy, discuss what give...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert is joined by the rest of the Baylor Center for School Leadership team. Erik Ellefsen, Krystle Moos, and Sahira Kodra look back on the last three years of the podcast and the changing landscape of schools since 2022.  The team reflects on shifts in education, share their favorite episodes, and dream about guests they wish could be on the podcast. Their...

Education within the prison system is a challenge. From access to technology to access to books. Bing Parks is an educator who loves her students but never wants to see her students in her classroom again. That's because she works in the Texas Juvenile Department. Her students range in age from 11 to 18 years old. Today she joins host Jon Eckert to discuss how she uses engagement to drive her...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert talks with Amy Emmanuel, Director of Digital Learning and Innovation at Christian Heritage College in Brisbane, Australia. She discusses how artificial intelligence can enhance education when used as a tool, not a replacement, and the importance of maintaining human connection and critical thinking in digital spaces.  Amy also reflects on how educators...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert talks with Elizabeth Bounds, current psychologist and former athlete, coach, and minister whose work explores how faith, identity, and virtue shape human flourishing.  Elizabeth shares how her experience as a college athlete facing injury and performance pressure led her to study the connection between worth and achievement. Together, they discuss the...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert talks with Shaun Brooker, an educational leader from New Zealand, about the power of belonging, mentorship, and human connection in a rapidly changing world. Shaun shares how his school’s innovative Tuakana program, which pairs middle school students with young adult mentors, has transformed engagement, confidence, and learning. Together, they explore...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert talks with Chelsea Lippe, principal at Park Hill Elementary in Midway ISD. Chelsea shares how her journey from kindergarten teacher to campus leader has been shaped by saying “yes” to God’s call and by building a culture of presence, trust, and growth. She reflects on the importance of prioritizing people over paperwork, creating space for peer observa...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert talks with Dr. Tiffany Spicer, Superintendent of Waco ISD. Dr. Spicer shares her journey to Waco, the challenges of stepping into leadership mid-year, and her commitment to building a culture of trust, joy, and authenticity.  She reflects on the importance of boundaries, balance, and modeling self-care for her team while keeping students at the center...

In this episode of  Just Schools , Jon Eckert talks with Mary Jane (MJ) Rios, a teacher at Augustine Prep in Milwaukee and a current MA student in the Baylor program. Eckert had the chance to see MJ in action while shadowing one of her students, who was excited when talking about her class. MJ shares how Augustine Prep supports whole-child development through faith, long-term relationships, and me...

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert sits down with Dr. Jeffery Cooks, a Baylor EdD graduate and host of the upcoming 745 Podcast, to talk about bridging the gap between schools and communities. Dr. Cooks shares his personal journey from corporate work to the classroom, the motivation behind earning his doctorate, and his desire to elevate every voice in the school ecosystem. Mentioned: 745...

In this episode of Just Schools, Jon Eckert talks with Alysia-Lara about how loss and healing led her to a life of listening, leading, and lifting up student voices. She shares how education became a path to purpose. A powerful student question, “What language do you dream in?”—guides this conversation about identity and belonging.  The Just Schools Podcast is brought to you by the Baylor Center f...