Becoming Bridge Builders

Today, we're diving into a critical discourse on equity in education with our guests, Ann Ishimura and Decoteau Irby, who are unveiling their forthcoming book, *Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and System Change*. This episode addresses the challenges school leaders and educators face as they work to create equitable learning environments amid rising resistance to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Drawing...

Transformative leadership takes center stage as we welcome L. Michelle Smith, a dynamic force in executive coaching and cultural communication. With extensive experience as a Fortune 100 advisor and an upcoming book titled "10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church," Michelle blends science and cultural insights to inspire leaders toward meaningful change. We dive deep into the foundational concepts of call and response, a powerf...

Today's conversation revolves around the profound insights of Joe Smarro, a decorated combat veteran and former police officer, who has dedicated his life to fostering empathy, connection, and effective communication in high-stress environments. With his experiences as a Marine in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Joe shares how these formative years shaped his understanding of leadership and the psychological...

Today, we delve into the often misunderstood realm of criminal defense, featuring Saul Bienenfeld, a seasoned New York attorney with over thirty years of experience. Saul's candid insights shed light on the critical realities surrounding CSAM, a topic that carries profound implications for both legal practitioners and society at large. He emphasizes that CSAM is not merely a legal concern; it represents a deeply troubling violation...

Today's conversation shines a spotlight on the transformative power of educational leadership through the lens of Dr. James Lane, a visionary who has significantly influenced education at various levels. We delve into his inspiring journey, beginning with his unexpected transition from a musician to an educational leader, where he discovered his passion for making a difference in students' lives. Dr. Lane emphasizes the critical im...

Confidence isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a crucial skill that can shape a teen’s journey through the tumultuous landscape of adolescence. In our latest conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chuck Barnard, a master educator and author with over three decades of experience, who has dedicated his life to helping teens and those who guide them cultivate resilience and self-assurance. Chuck's new book, *Confidence with a New C...

Becoming Bridge Builders is back with a captivating discussion that dives deep into the complexities of foster care and trauma recovery, featuring the incredible Jeanette Yoffe. As an adoptee who spent six years in foster care, Jeanette brings a wealth of personal experience and professional expertise to the table. This episode spans a range of topics, from the nuances of attachment theory to practical interventions for trauma-info...

Today's conversation takes us deep into the heart of Iran, where our guest, Zolal Habibi, has dedicated over 25 years as an activist championing the rights of the voiceless. Her journey began with a personal tragedy—the loss of her father during the 1988 massacre, which ignited her lifelong mission to prevent others from enduring such suffering. As we delve into the complexities of women's empowerment and resistance under tyranny, ...

Today, we’re engaging in a thoughtful and nuanced conversation about what compassionate care can look like within the broader, often deeply personal, abortion debate. Our guest, Erika Ferguson—founder of the Tubman Travel Project—joins us to share the mission behind her organization, which has supported more than 400 women traveling from Texas to New Mexico for abortion services since 2021. Erika opens up about the experiences that...

Today we’re diving deep into the powerful journey of Dana S. Diaz, a true warrior and author whose latest book, *Choking on the Scapegoat, Child in a Narcissistic Family*, lays bare her experiences with narcissistic abuse. Dana’s story is one of resilience; she opens up about her tumultuous childhood and the haunting question survivors often grapple with—“Why did you stay?” Through her candid reflections, we’ll explore the long-las...

Today, we’re diving into a conversation that’s as refreshing as an ice-cold lemonade on a hot summer day! We’re talking about fear-based leadership, and our amazing guest, Kate Lowry, has written the playbook on how to not just survive but thrive in these often chaotic environments. Kate shares her own experiences navigating the tricky waters of Silicon Valley, plus some golden nuggets of wisdom about how to build a solid relations...

Today’s chat is all about flipping the script on negative emotions! We’re diving into a fascinating conversation with Reverend Dr. Greg Stewart, who’s not only a telehealth counselor but also an executive coach with a treasure trove of experience in leadership and personal growth. His latest book, *I3 - Information, Interpretation, Intensity: Unlock the Inner Strength Behind Your Negative Emotions * challenges us to see our negativ...

We're diving deep into the heart of family healing today, tackling the big question of how to transform generational pain into divine purpose. Join me, Reverend Dr. Keith Haney, as I chat with the incredibly inspiring Northern Bishop Kevin Foreman, who’s all about breaking cycles and lifting spirits. We’ll explore how our past doesn’t have to dictate our future, and Bishop Foreman shares his own journey from the streets of Memphis ...

Today, we’re diving into a heartfelt conversation that every parent, advocate, and entrepreneur should definitely tune into. We’ve got Reasa Selph with us, a fierce advocate for patient safety and an award-winning business strategist, sharing her personal journey after her son Nicholas faced a life-threatening battle with sepsis. Just days after being sent home from the ER without proper treatment, Nicholas collapsed and spent over...

Today, we’re diving deep into the world of foster care education with the incredible Sharon Dunlevy, an educational advocate who’s truly making waves in this often-overlooked area. Sharon’s mission is crystal clear: she’s all about bringing the needs of children in foster care to the forefront of educational policy and practice. She’s not just a trainer for foster parents; she’s a passionate speaker and influencer who recently snag...

Jenna Udenberg is a powerhouse of advocacy and inspiration, and today, we dive deep into her incredible journey of courage and creativity. Living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis since the age of eight, Jenna has transformed her challenges into a platform for promoting accessibility and inclusion through her nonprofit, Above and Beyond With You. She’s not just about breaking down barriers; she’s about building bridges across comm...

Today's guest is Shellee Howard, the brilliant founder and CEO of College Ready, a global college consulting firm that’s all about helping students find their academic soulmate! With over a decade of experience under her belt, Shellee has made it her mission to transform how families approach the college search, and she’s got the stories to prove it. We’re diving deep into her unique approach, which emphasizes understanding each st...

Get ready to dive into an inspiring conversation with Christian Ray Flores, a man whose life story reads like the ultimate adventure novel! Born in a communist dictatorship and raised across continents, Christian is now a powerhouse of positive change as the founder of Exponential Life Coaching and author of the uplifting book, *The Little Book of Big Reasons to Love America*. In our chat, we explore the deep-rooted values of freed...

Building strong organizations isn’t just about profits; it’s about the people who make it all happen! Today, we’re chatting with Faith Clarke, an expert in organizational health and teamwork, who’s got the inside scoop on how teamwork, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership can really make or break a company. Faith shares her journey from engineering to becoming a powerhouse in helping businesses create diverse teams that not onl...