The Mic'd Up & Motivated Podcast

Send us Fan Mail What if the quickest way to boost student achievement is to stop “fixing kids” and start caring for the adults who teach them? That’s the bold premise Sarah Fillion brings to our conversation, and she backs it up with stories that hit home—like the teacher who hit day 98 without a behavior call and felt hope for the first time all year. We dig into how steady, connected adults tur...

Send us Fan Mail What if the title that means the most isn’t on your business card, but in a kid’s voice calling you “Coach”? That’s the heartbeat of our conversation with elementary PE teacher and motivational speaker Justin Pickens—a story that moves from childhood adversity to classroom joy, from chasing status to choosing significance. Justin opens up about growing up around incarceration and...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when we heal the wounded child within us? For Chelsea Miller, inner child coach and trauma healer, this question isn't theoretical—it's the foundation of profound personal and generational transformation. Chelsea's story begins with a childhood marked by emotional neglect, teenage parents struggling with poverty, and the heavy responsibility of becoming...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the transformative insights of Tony Branch, a distinguished author and motivational speaker from New York City, who joins us to illuminate the challenges and triumphs of his journey. Tony's narrative explores the shifting landscape of motivational speaking, particularly for young Black men, and the pressing societal expectations they navigate. Through his anecdotes,...

Send us Fan Mail Prepare to be inspired and empowered as we welcome Desiree Panlilio, a dedicated teen and parent life coach, to The Mic'd Up & Motivated podcast. Desiree shares her remarkable journey from a critical care nurse to a life coach, shedding light on the vital role of resilience, empathy, and parent-teen solid relationships. Learn how Desiree helps teenagers navigate failures...

Send us Fan Mail Amy Hanna, a dynamo in youth advocacy and community leadership, shares her insights on the transformative power of recognizing the potential in our younger generation. Through her diverse experiences, from directing Youth for Christ to her pageantry days and authoring children's books, Amy offers a unique perspective on guiding young talents to flourish. Our conversation trav...

Send us Fan Mail Have you ever met someone whose spirit is so infectious that you can't help but feel uplifted in their presence? Chip Murdock from Wilmington College is precisely that kind of individual. In our latest episode, he shares his extraordinary journey and insights on empowering young people with love and respect. His philosophy, shaped by gratitude, joy, and a surprising career sh...