Lead with HOPE

In this episode of Lead with Hope , Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with educational leader Toby Travis to explore one essential truth: trust is the foundation of effective leadership in education . If you care about trust, leadership, education, communication, empowerment, sustainability, change management, school improvement, and community impact , this conversation delivers both inspiration and prac...

In this episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast , Dr. Brandi Kelly tackles one of the most common leadership and personal development struggles: how to build habits when you’re overwhelmed . If you’ve ever tried to start a new routine, improve your mindfulness, strengthen resilience, or follow through on goals — only to feel stuck — this episode is for you. Rooted in behavioral science and inspired...

In this inspiring episode of Lead with H.O.P.E. , I sit down with Rob Scheer , founder of Comfort Cases , to discuss his incredible journey from a child in the foster care system to a successful businessman and social impact leader. Rob shares how small acts of kindness, community involvement, and empathy can transform the lives of vulnerable children. Learn how Comfort Cases provides dignity and...

In this episode of the Lead with H.O.P.E. podcast , host Dr. Brandi Kelly explores the profound impact of love and hope in leadership . As Valentine’s Day approaches, Brandi shares personal reflections and leadership insights, drawing powerful lessons from children’s movies to illustrate that love is not merely a romantic idea.. it is a strategic, intentional force that builds connection, fuels gr...

In this episode of the Lead with HOPE Podcast , Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with Shellee Howard , founder of College Ready , mother of four, and champion for student empowerment. Shellee shares how her personal journey navigating the college admissions process led her to build a system that has helped students earn over $10.3 million in scholarships proving that a debt-free college education is pos...

Are you a leader feeling the stress? Join us as we talk with Dan Stecken , a superintendent, former varsity head coach, and founder of the Stressed Leaders Retreat . Dan shares his unique approach to wellness and vulnerability and what it takes to thrive under pressure in leadership. In this episode, you will learn about: Dan's Journey and Book: Dan wrote his book, Stressed Leaders Stay in the Gam...

A special thank you to Craig Williams and Conversari for supporting this episode! Learn more about their work at https://www.conversaripress.com In this empowering episode of Lead with HOPE , we give you a sneak peek of the first session of EmpowerHER Mastermind , Heart, Home, and Hustle . If you’re a woman leader feeling the pressure to constantly do more, hold it all together, and push through e...

🤝 Legacy Sponsor This episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast is proudly supported by our Legacy Sponsor, Conversari - ⁠ https://www.conversaripress.com/ What happens when strong, capable leaders reach the end of what an unsustainable system demands of them? In this powerful and deeply human episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast , host Dr. Brandi Kelly is joined by Dr. Lindsey Hall —educator, forme...

🤝 Legacy Sponsor This episode of the Lead with Hope Podcast is proudly supported by our Legacy Sponsor, Conversari - https://www.conversaripress.com/ ⁠ In this episode of the Lead with Hope podcast, Dr. Brandi Kelly discusses the challenges of leadership, particularly in the context of burnout and emotional exhaustion . She shares her personal journey of feeling depleted while leading a school di...

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 t...

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 ex...

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...

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 m...

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 hardsh...

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...

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 profou...

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...

Welcome to Lead with Hope! In this episode of Lead with Hope , Dr. Brandi Kelly sits down with Tommy Campbell , 2025 Macoupin CEO Alum, to explore how mentors and coaches shape young leaders. Tommy shares what he learned from football, youth group, and his early work experiences—and why showing up, listening, and staying coachable can change everything. If you’d like to connect with Tommy, you can...

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 a...

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 Mac...

✨ 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, resilie...

This month, we’re shining a light on the incredible Macoupin County CEO Program — a transformative experience preparing the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs! 🌟 In today’s episode, I’m joined by current students from the CEO program who share their insights, ambitions, and what they’re learning about leadership, resilience, and purpose. Their stories will remind you that the future...

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 in the classroom, Erin brings a wealth of experience in building supportive, balanced environments where students learn not just academics, but also essential life skills like...

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...

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, a...